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The Story of tKe Fae^e Queene 

Edited, by D— ED\^A,RD ]^ROOKS A 

Olxc^Jtor o£ 

*TKe Story o£ tKe lliaxl'* , “The fliorjr of ilte eic 




THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 


PHILADELPHIA IsICMII 


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Copyright 1902 by The Penn Publishing Company 


THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS. 

T'vr> Copies Received 

MAY. 20 1902 

Copyright entry 
CLASS ^XXc. No. 
COPY B. 


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•ffntroDucUon 


Faerie Queene” is one of the greatest 

1 poems in English literature. It was written 
by Edmund Spenser, who lived in England 
during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. He was 
a member of that coterie of distinguished writers 
who shed glory upon the Elizabethan era. He 
possessed a poetical genius of the highest order, 
and was an ornament of the age and country in 
which he lived. In poetic merit Spenser is ranked 
in English literature next to Shakspere, Chaucer, 
and Milton. 

The poem is remarkable for richness of imagery 
and fertility of conception. Spenser’s imagination 
was rich and creative, and his poem is alive with 
the noblest and loveliest characters and the most 
interesting incidents. There is also a tenderness 
of feeling united with a sweetness of expression 
that touches the heart and gratifies the most ex- 
quisite taste. It possesses all the charms of a 
world of enchantment in which the fairest flowers 
are ever springing and new beauties are pre- 
sented on every side. 

The success of the poem when published was 
instantaneous. It became at once the delight 
9 


Introduction 


of every accomplished gentleman, the model of 
every poet, the solace of every scholar. Pane- 
gyrics were written on its author; it extended the 
circle of his friends, strengthened his position at 
court, won for him the smiles of his sovereign, 
•and secured him the applause of the good. It 
exercised an influence on our literature and 
language which has never ceased. Nearly every 
succeeding poet has been more or less indebted to 
the inspiration of Spenser’s genius. 

Of the sweetness of Spenser’s fancy every per- 
son of culture must be sensible; it has, as some 
one says, the melody of falling waters, and wins 
upon the senses imperceptibly. Speaking of this 
element of his genius, Campbell says: “He is like 
a speaker whose tones continue to be pleasing, 
though he may speak too long; or like a painter 
who makes us forget the defect of his design by 
the magic of his coloring. We always rise from 
perusing him with melody in the mind’s ear, and 
with pictures of romantic beauty impressed on the 
imagination.” 

While all this is true, the poem is rarely at- 
tractive to readers of the present day, and is sel- 
dom read except by men and women of high 
literary culture. This is due partly to the archaic 
language in which it is written and the irregular 
flow of the verse, sometimes seeming artificial and 
labored. Moreover, though teeming with pas- 
lO 


Introduction 


sages of beauty, pathos, and grandeur, yet, as a 
whole it is wanting in unity and completeness. 
Each of the books might have been issued as a 
separate poem without any injury to the re- 
mainder. Indeed, the first book, usually thought 
to be the best of the six, is a complete work in 
itself, and has little connection with the other 
parts. The principal link among them is the ap- 
pearance of Prince Arthur, the ancient Celtic king; 
but even this character “appears and vanishes like 
a spirit, and we lose sight of him too soon to con- 
sider him the hero of the poem.” To account for 
the unfinished state of the “Faerie Queene,” six 
remaining books were supposed to be lost by a 
servant in their precipitate retreat from Ireland at 
the time of the insurrection. There is no evidence, 
however, that there were any other books of the 
poem, and it is believed that the author grew tired 
of his work and purposely left it unfinished. 

The poem, however, contains so much that is 
delightful and elevating, so much that is pure and 
sweet and noble, that the general ignorance of 
the public in respect to it is to be regretted. The 
moral tone of the work is so elevated and the 
sentiments set forth so full of refinement and 
beauty that it deserves a more general reading 
than it receives. /It is allegorical in its style, and 
is designed to hold up for admiration and imita- 
tion the virtues 'of morality and religion./ The 


Introduction 


characters are typical of these virtues, and are so 
delightfully drawn as to touch our hearts with 
sympathy and awaken our admiration. The Red 
Cross Knight, Una, Sir Guyon, Britomart, Sir 
Artegall, and others, are all characters who win our 
hearts by their splendid virtues. The book thus 
stands on the highest plane of moral thought and 
feeling, presenting a picture of the loftiest motives 
and actions; and is adapted to hold before the mind 
the moral virtues in their most fascinating guise. 
It appeals with special force to the young of both 
sexes, touching their imaginations by its heroic 
deeds and lifting their hearts in admiration of that 
which is pure and high and noble. 

The Fairy Land of Spenser is really the land of 
chivalry rather than a real fairy land. It is a 
region in which heroic daring and ideal purity are 
the objects chiefly presented to our imaginations. 
The principal' personages are knights bound on 
perilous adventures, ladies of rare virtues rescued 
from hideous monsters and fearful miseries, and 
good and evil enchanters whose spells affect the 
destiny of those with whom they come in contact. 
The hero of the poem is said to be the chivalrous 
Arthur of the British legends, but he enters it so 
wrapped in a cloud of symbols that he seems but 
an incident in the story. The Faerie Queene, 
named Gloriana, who was the object of the 
Prince’s warmest love, was herself an emblem of 
12 


Introduction 


Virtuous Renown, and was meant to represent the 
poet’s queen, Elizabeth. The adventures of the 
characters, connected by no tie except the oc- 
casional appearance of Arthur, form, as before 
stated, six independent poetic tales. 

The First Book relates the Legend of the Red 
Cross Knight, who is the type of Holiness. In this 
occurs the beautiful episode of Una and the Lion 
which has been a favorite subject to painter and 
sculptor. The knight and Una present the highest 
ideals of courage, courtesy, and purity, and live 
in the thought of the world like a dream of beauty. 

The Second Book presents the Legend of Sir 
Guyon, illustrating the virtue of Temperance. He 
was also a knight of Gloriana, devoted to lofty and 
chivalrous adventures. On his shield he had por- 
trayed the face of the Faerie Queene, which 
wrought a charm in times of danger. He was 
both gentle and brave, and met with many foes 
who soughi his life and tried to tempt him from 
the path of virtue. Magicians and enchantresses 
in vain attempted to make him forget his knightly 
vows. Here we meet the beautiful character of 
Alma, a noble maiden who lived in the castle of 
Temperance, and whose three counsellors were 
Imagination, Judgment, and Memory. 

In the Third Book we have the Legend of 
Britomart, the type of Chastity. She was a maiden 
of rare beauty, the daughter of the legendary King 

13 


Introduction 


Ryence of South Wales. She is represented as 
putting on the suit of armor of a knight, and with 
her old nurse dressed as her squire, going wander- 
ing through the world in search of a noble knight, 
Sir Artegall. With her courage she possessed a 
strength of body and skill in the use of arms with 
which few knights could compete. Her heart was 
a shrine of purity, and her deeds of valor shine 
forth in the poem with resplendent light. How 
she at last met and fought with Sir Artegall, not 
knowing who he was, and how each fell in love 
with the other, is told in a charming way in the 
poem. 

In the Fourth Book is found the Legend of 
Friendship personified in the two knights, Cambell 
and Triamond. Here we meet also two beautiful 
characters, Amoret and Emilia, who were made 
captives by a hideous savage, and also the glorious 
huntress queen Belphoebe. Prince Arthur ap- 
pears prominently in this book as the protector of 
the two maidens, showing them many deeds of 
courtesy. There are many incidents in this book 
which are unsuited to young people and cannot 
be so well told in a prose narrative, and thus in 
this version of the poem the story is comparatively 
brief. 

In the Fifth Book we have the interesting 
Legend of Sir Artegall, the emblem of Justice. 
He was one of the noblest heroes at the court of 

14 


Introduction 


the Faerie Queene. He won for his bride the fair 
and valorous Princess Britomart, and then to keep 
his knightly vow started out to destroy injustice, 
in which he met with many perilous adventures. 
With him went Talus, a man of iron mold, whose 
weapon was an iron flail with which he threshed 
out falsehood and unfolded the truth. His battle 
with the Saracen on the narrow bridge, with the 
boastful giant who would weigh the world in his 
scales, his contest with Radigund, the Queen of 
the Amazons, in which at a glance of her beautiful 
face as she lay wounded he gallantly threw away 
his sword, are all related with a fascinating skill 
and power. Here also is told how the Princess 
Britomaft does battle with Queen Radigund and 
releases her husband Sir Artegall, who had been 
severely wounded after throwing away his sword, 
and shut up in prison by the Amazon queen. 

The Sixth Book treats of the Legend of Sir 
Calidore, the emblem of Courtesy. Here are 
painted some scenes inspired with the warmest 
glow of fancy. Sir Calidore, as Chaucer says of 
another, “was a veray parfit gentil knight.” His 
adventure with the Blatant Beast illustrates how 
justice and courage can overcome the wrong, and 
the final escape of the Beast shows the eternal 
conflict of truth with error. The character of 
Pastorella, as drawn in the poem, shows the high 
ideals of womanly virtue and loveliness that dwelt 
t5 


Introduction 


in the mind of the author, and mirrors his own 
sweet and gentle nature. In the story of the 
Proud Discourteous Knight he introduces young 
Tristram, one of the heroes of the Round Table, 
as related in the Arthurian legends. 

The principal characters and incidents of the 
poem are presented in this prose version of the 
“Faerie Queene,” giving an interesting series of 
knightly deeds and achievements. In its present 
form it is a book for youth, to whom tales of 
chivalry are especially fascinating. Its influence 
will be to develop in the mind of youth high ideals 
of courtesy and honor. It holds forth to their 
youthful admiration sentiments of friendship, 
fidelity, justice, temperance, chastity, and holiness 
— the greatest Christian virtues — which, if early in- 
culcated in the hearts of the young, lead to high 
ideals and noble thought and action. ^ One of the 
highest objects of life is the development of char- 
acter; and the books read in childhood, when full 
of noble sentiments and actions, are among the 
surest means for the cultivation of those feelings 
and purposes that enrich the spiritual nature 
and result in a noble manhood and a beautiful 
womanhood. 

Edward Brooks, 
Superintendent of Public Schools. 

Philadelphia, January i6th, 1902. 


16 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 


INTRODUCTION 5 

BOOK I 

THE KNIGHT OF HOLINESS— 

The Court of the Queen 21 

The Wood of Error 24 

Holiness is Deceived by the Magician 28 

The Knight Forsakes Una 32 

Holiness fights Faithless, and makes Friends 

WITH False Religion 35 

Una and the Lion 38 

In the Hands of the Enemy 43 

The House of Pride 46 

The Battle for the Shield 54 

Una and the Woodland Knight 60 

The False Pilgrim 62 

The Giant Pride 67 

V Prince Arthur 70 

The Wondrous Bugle and the Mighty Shield 74 

The Knight with the Hempen Rope 84 

In THE Cave of Despair 89 

How THE Red Cross Knight came to the House 

OF Holiness 94 

The City of the Great King 100 

The Last Fight 103 

Ease after War 105 

17 


CONTENTS 


BOOK II 

THE KNIGHT OF TEMPERANCE 

PAGE 

Sir Guyon meets the Magician iii 

Friend or Foe T15 

The Story of the Knight and the Lady 120 

The Three Sisters 122 

Braggadochio 128 

Fury's Captive 13 1 

The Anger of Fire 136 

The Idle Lake 142 

The Realm of Pluto 146 

The Cave of Mammon 151 

The Champion of Chivalry 158 

The House of Temperance 164 

The Rock of Reproach and the Wandering 

Islands 171 

Sea-Monsters and Land-Monsters 177 

The Bower of Bliss 180 


BOOK HI 

THE LEGEND OF BRITOMART— 

How Sir Guyon met a Champion mightier than 

HIMSELF 187 

How Britomart fought with Six Knights 189 

How it fared with Britomart in Castle Joyous. .. 195 

How Britomart looked into the Magic Mirror. . . . 199 

How Britomart went to the Cave of the 

Magician Merlin 204 

How Britomart set forth on her Quest 210 

18 


CONTENTS 


PACK 

How Britomart came to the Castle of the 

Churl Malbecco 213 

How Britomart walked through Fire 217 

What Britomart saw in the Enchanted Chamber 224 
How Britomart rescued a Fair Lady from a 

Wicked Enchanter 230 

What Strange Meetings befell on the Way 235 

How Sir Satyrane proclaimed a Great Tourna- 
ment 241 

What befell on the First and Second Days of 

THE Tournament 248 

How Britomart did Battle for the Golden 

Girdle 253 

How THE Golden Girdle was awarded to the 

False Florimell 257 

How Sir Scudamour came to the House of Care. . 262 

How THE Savage Knight met the Knight with 

THE Ebony Spear 268 

How Britomart ended her Quest 273 

BOOK IV 

THE SQUIRE OF LOW DEGREE— 

The Giant with Flaming Eyes 279 

For his Friend's Sake 288 

The Giant's Daughter 294 

BOOK V 

THE KNIGHT OF JUSTICE— 

The Sword of Justice and the Iron Man 298 

The Adventure of the Saracen's Bridge 304 

The Giant with the Scales 309 

19 


CONTENTS 


PACK 

Borrowed Plumes, and the Fate of the Snowy 

Lady 312 

How the Good Horse Brigadore knew his own 

Master 317 

The Adventure of the Two Brothers and the 

• Coffer 322 

Radigund, Queen of the Amazons 328 

How Sir Artegall threw away his Sword 336 

The House of Guile 342 

The Battle of Queen Radigund and Britomart. . . . 350 

The Adventure of the Damsel, the Two Knights, 

AND the Sultan's Horses 356 

The Adventure at the Den of Deceit 366 

The Adventure of the Tyrant Grantorto 374 

BOOK VI 

THE KNIGHT OF COURTESY— 

The Quest of the Blatant Beast 384 

The Proud Discourteous Knight 394 

Coridon and Pastorella 400 

In the Brigands' Den 405 

The Beast with a Thousand Tongues 414 


20 


BOOK I 


Ube IRniobt of WoUness 

Zbc Court of tbe Queen 

O NCE upon a time, in the days when there 
were still such things as giants and 
dragons, there lived a great Queen. She 
reigned over a rich and beautiful country, and 
because she was good and noble every one loved 
her, and tried also to be good. Her court was 
the most splendid one in the world, for all her 
knights were brave and gallant, and each one 
thought only of what heroic things he could do, 
and how best he could serve his royal lady. 

The name of the Queen was Gloriana, and 
each of her twelve chief knights was known as 
the Champion of some virtue. Thus Sir Guyon 
was the representative of Temperance, Sir Arte- 
gall of Justice, Sir Calidore of Courtesy, and- 
others took up the cause of Friendship, Con- 
stancy, and other similar virtues. 

Every year the Queen held a great feast, which 
lasted twelve days. Once, on the first day of the 
feast, a stranger in poor clothes came to the court, 
and kneeling before the Queen, begged a favor of 
21 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

her. It was always the custom at these feasts 
that the Queen should refuse nothing that was 
asked, so she bade the stranger say what it was 
he wished. Then he besought that, if any cause 
arose which called for knightly aid, the adventure 
might be entrusted to him. 

When the Queen had given her promise he 
stood quietly on one side, and did not try to 
mingle with the other guests who were feasting 
at the splendid tables. Although he was a brave 
and a daring knight, he was very gentle and 
modest; and as he had never yet proved his valor 
in fight, he did not think himself worthy of a 
place among the knights who had already won dor 
themselves honor and renown. 

Soon after this there rode into the city a' fair 
lady on a white palfry. Behind her came her 
servant, a dwarf, leading a warlike horse that bore 
the armor of a knight. The face of the lady was 
lovely, but it was very sorrowful. 

Making her way to the palace, the lady knelt 
before Queen Gloriana and implored her help. 
She said that her name was Una; that she was the 
daughter of a king and queen who formerly ruled 
over a mighty country; but that, many years ago, 
a huge dragon came and wasted all the land, and 
shut the king and queen up in a brazen castle, 
from which they might never come out. The 
Lady Una therefore besought Queen Gloriana to 
22 


The Knight of Holiness 


grant her one of her knights to fight and kill this 
terrible dragon. 

At this the stranger sprang forward, and re- 
minded the Queen of the promise she had made. 
But she was unwilling for him to go, for the 
knight was young, and, moreover, he had no 
armor of his own to fight with. He, however, 
would not be denied. 

Then said the Lady Una to him, “Will you 
wear the armor that I bring you? Unless you 
do you will never succeed in the enterprise, 
nor kill the horrible monster of Evil. The armor 
is not new, and it is scratched and dinted with 
many a hard-fought battle; but if you wear it 
rightly no armor that ever was made will serve 
you so well.” 

So the stranger bade them bring the armor 
and put it on him, and Una said, “Stand, there- 
fore, having your loins girt about with truth, and 
having on the breastplate of righteousness, and 
your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel 
of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, 
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery 
darts of the wicked, and take the helmet of salva- 
tion and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word 
of God.” 

And when the stranger had put off his own 
rough clothes and was clad in this armor, straight- 
way he seemed the goodliest man in all that com- 

23 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


pany, and the Lady Una was well pleased with 
her champion; and, because of the red cross which ^ 
he wore on his breastplate and on his silver shield, 
he was known henceforth as the ‘'Red Cross 
Knight.’’ But his real name was Holiness, and 
the name of the lady for whom he was to do battle 
was Truth. 

Then these two rode forth into the world to- 
gether, while a little way behind followed their 
faithful attendant. Prudence. And now you shall 
hear some of the adventures that befell the Red 
Cross Knight and his two companions. 

Zbc TWaooD of Brror 

The first adventure happened in this vvay. 
Scarcely had the Red Cross Knight and the Lady 
Una started on their journey when the sky sud- 
denly became overcast, and a great storm of rain 
beat down upon the earth. Looking about for 
shelter, they saw, not far away, a shady grove, 
which seemed just what they needed. The trees 
here had great spreading branches, which grew so 
thickly overhead that no light could pierce the 
covering of leaves. Through this wood wide paths 
and alleys, well trodden, led in all directions. It 
seemed a truly pleasant place, and a safe shelter 
against the tempest, so they entered in at once. 

For a while, as they roamed along the winding 
paths they found nothing but pleasure. Deeper 

24 


The Knight of Holiness 


and deeper into the heart of the wood they went, 
hearing with joy the sweet singing of the birds, 
and being filled with wonder at so many kinds of 
beautiful trees. But, by-and-by, when the storm 
was over and they wished to go forward on their 
journey, they found, to their sorrow, that they 
had lost their way. It was impossible to remem- 
ber by which path they had come; every way 
seemed strange and unknown. Here and there 
they wandered, backward and forward; there were 
so many turnings to be seen, so many paths, that 
they knew not which to take to lead them out of 
the wood. 

In this perplexity, they at last determined to 
go straight forward until they found some end, 
either in or out of the wood. Choosing for this 
purpose one of the broadest and most trodden 
paths, they came presently to a hollow cave in the 
thickest part of the wood. Then the Red Cross 
Knight dismounted from his steed, and gave his 
spear to the dwarf to hold. 

“Take heed,” said the Lady Una, “lest you too 
rashly provoke mischief. This is a wild and un- 
known place, and peril is often without show. 
Hold back, therefore, till you know if there is any 
danger hidden there.” 

“Ah, lady,” said the Knight, “it were shame to 
go backward for fear of a hidden danger. Virtue 
herself gives light to lead through any darkness.” 

25 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

'‘Yes,” said Una; “but I know better than you 
the peril of this place, though now it is too late 
to bid you return. Yet wisdom warns you to 
stay your steps, before you are forced to retreat. 
This is the Wandering Wood, and that is the den 
of Error, in which there is a horrible monster, 



hated of all. Therefore, I 
advise you to be cautious.” 

“Fly, fly, then! this is 
no place for living men!” 
cried timid Prudence. 

But the young Knight was full of eagerness and 
fiery courage, and nothing could daunt him. 
Forth to the darksome hole he went, and looked 
in. His glittering armor made a little light, by 
which he could plainly see the ugly monster. 
Such a great, horrible thing it was, something like 
a snake, having a long tail twisted in knots, with 
26 



The Knight of Holiness 


stings all over it. And near this wicked big 
creature, whose other name was Falsehood, there 
were a thousand little ones, all varying in shape, 
but every one bad and ugly; for you may be quite 
sure that wherever one of this horrible race is 
found, there will always be many others of the 
same family lurking near. 

When the light shone into the cave all the little 
creatures fled to hide themselves, and the big 
parent Falsehood rushed out of her den in anger. 
But when she saw the shining armor of the Knight 
she tried to turn back, for she hated light as her 
deadliest foe, and she was always accustomed to 
live in darkness, where she could neither see plainly 
nor be seen. 

' When the Knight saw that she was trying to 
escape, he sprang after her as fierce as a lion, and 
then the great fight began. Though he strove 
valiantly, yet he was in sore peril, for suddenly 
the cunning creature flung her huge tail round 
and round him, so that he could stir neither hand 
nor foot. 

Then the Lady Una cried out, to encourage him, 
^‘Now, now. Sir Knight, show what you are ! Add 
faith unto your force, and be not faint ! Kill her, 
or else she will surely kill you.” 

With that, fresh strength and courage came to 
the Knight. Gathering all his force, he got one 
hand free, and gripped the creature by the throat 
27 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


with so much pain that she was soon compelled 
to loosen her wicked hold. Seeing that she was 
being worsted, she suddenly tried to stifle the 
Knight by flinging over him a flood of poison. 
This made the Knight retreat a moment. Then 
the dragon called to her aid all the horrid little 
creeping and crawling monsters that he had seen 
before, and many others of the same kind, or 
worse. These came swarming and buzzing round 
the Knight like a cloud of teasing gnats, and tor- 
mented and confused him with their feeble stings. 
Enraged at this fresh attack, he made up his mind 
to end the matter one way or another, and, rushing 
at his foe, he killed her with one stroke of his sword. 

Then Lady Una, who, from a distance, had 
watched all that passed, came near in haste to 
greet the victor. 

“Fair Knight,” she said, “born under a happy 
star ! You are well worthy of that armor in which 
this day you have won great glory, and proved 
your strength against a strong enemy. This is 
your first battle. I pray that you will win many 
others in like manner.” 

DoUncsg f6 Deceived the /iftagfcfan 

After his victory over Falsehood, the Red 
Cross Knight again mounted his steed, and he and 
the Lady Una went on their way. Keeping care- 
fully to one path, and turning neither to the right 
28 


The Knight of Holiness 


hand nor the left, they at last found themselves 
safely out of the Wood of Error. 

But now they were to fall into the power of a 
more dangerous and treacherous foe than even 
the hateful monster Falsehood. 

After traveling a long way, and meeting with 
no fresh adventure, they saw in the road an old 
man. He appeared very wise and good. He 
was dressed in a long black gown, like a hermit, 
and had bare feet and a gray beard; there was a 
book hanging from his belt, as was the custom 
of scholars in those days. He seemed very quiet 
and sad, and kept his eyes fixed on the ground, 
and all the time as he went along he seemed to be 
saying prayers, and lamenting over his own 
wickedness. 

When he saw the travelers he made an humble 
salute to them. The Red Cross Knight returned 
the greeting with all courtesy, and asked him if he 
knew of any strange adventures that were then 
taking place. 

‘‘Ah, my dear son !” said the hermit, “how 
should a simple old man who lives in a lonely cell, 
and does nothing all day but sorrow for his own 
faults, know any tidings of war or worldly trouble? 
It is not fitting for me to meddle with such mat- 
ters. But, if indeed you desire to hear about 
danger and evil, I can tell you about a strange man 
who wastes all the surrounding country.” 

29 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


“That,” said the Knight, “is what I chiefly ask 
about, and I will reward you well if you will guide 
me to the place where he dwells. For it is a dis- 
grace to knighthood that such a creature should 
be allowed to live.” 

“His dwelling is far away, in the midst of a 
barren wilderness,” answered the old man. “No 
living person can ever pass it without great danger 
and difficulty.” 

“Now,” said the Lady Una, “night is drawing 
near, and I know well that you are wearied with 
your former fight. Therefore, take rest, and with 
the new day begin new work.” 

“You have been well advised. Sir Knight,” said 
the old man. “Day is now spent; therefore take 
up your abode with me for the night.” 

The travelers were well content to do this, so 
they went with the old man to his home. 

It was a lowly hermitage, down in a dale by the 
side of a forest, far from the beaten track of 
travelers. A small chapel was built near by, and 
a crystal stream gently welled forth from a never- 
failing fountain. 

Arrived at the house, they neither expected nor 
found any entertainment; but as rest was what they 
needed, they were well satisfied; for a noble mind 
is always well content. The old man had a 
good store of pleasing words, and knew well how 
to entertain his visitors. The evening passed 

30 


The Knight of Holiness 


pleasantly, and then the hermit conducted his 
guests to the lodgings where they were to spend 
the night. 

But when they were safely asleep a horrid 
change came over the old man, for in reality he was 
not good at all, although he pretended so to be. 
His heart was full of hatred, malice, and deceit. 
He called himself Archimago, which means a 
“Great Magician,” but his real name was Hypoc- 
risy. He knew that as long as Holiness and 
Truth kept together, no great harm could come 
to either of them; so he determined to do every- 
thing in his power to separate them. For this 
purpose he consulted all his books of magic, and 
set to work to devise cunning schemes and spells. 
He was so clever and wily that he could deceive 
people much better and wiser than himself. He 
also had at his bidding many bad little spirits, who 
ran about and did his messages. These he used to 
help his friends and frighten his enemies, and he 
had the power of making them take any shape 
he wished. 

Choosing two of the worst of these, he sent one 
on a message to King Morpheus, who rules over 
the Land of Sleep. He bade him bring back with 
him a bad, false dream, which Archimago then 
carried to the sleeping Knight. So cunningly did 
he contrive the matter, that when the Knight 
awoke die next morning he never knew that it had 

31 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

only been a dream, but believed that all the things 
he had seen in his sleep had really happened. 

In the meanwhile, Archimago dressed up the 
other bad spirit to look like Una, so that at a little 
distance it was impossible to tell any difference in 
the two figures. He knew that the only way to 
part Holiness and Truth was to make Holiness 
believe by some means that Truth was not as good 
as she appeared to be. He know also that the Red 
Cross Knight would believe nothing against the 
Lady Una except what he saw with his own eyes. 
Therefore he laid his plans with great care and 
guile. 

Now we shall see how he succeeded in his 
wicked endeavor. 

XLbc Iknigbt jporsaftes 'dna 

The next morning at daybreak the Knight 
awoke, sad and unrested after the unpleasant 
dreams that had come to him in the night. 

It was scarcely dawn when Archimago rushed 
up to him in a state of pretended sorrow and in- 
dignation. 

'‘The Lady Una has left you,” said this wicked 
man. "She is not good as she pretends to be. 
She cares nothing at all for you, nor for the noble 
work on which you are bound, and she does not 
mean to go any farther with you on your toilsome 
journey.” 


32 


The Knight of Holiness 


The Knight started up in anger. This was like 
his dream, and he knew not what was true nor 
what was false. 

“Come,” said Archimago, “see for yourself.” 

He pointed to a figure in the distance whom the 
Knight took to be Una. Then, indeed, he was 
forced to believe what the wicked magician told 



him. He now thought that Una had been de- 
ceiving him all along, and had seized this moment 
to escape. He forgot all her real sweetness and 
goodness and beauty; he only thought how false 
and unkind she was. He was filled with anger, 
and he never paused a moment to reflect if there 
could be any possibility of mistake. Calling his 
servant, he bade him bring his horse at once, and 
then the two set forth on their journey. 

33 



The Story of the Faerie Queene 


In this the Red Cross Knight was wrong, and 
we shall see presently into what perils and mis; 
fortunes he fell because of his hasty act and want 
of faith. If he had had a little patience he would 
soon have discovered that the figure he saw was 
only an imitation. The real Lady Una all this 
time was sleeping quietly in her own bower. 

When she awoke and found that her two com- 
panions had fled and left her alone, she was filled 
with grief and dismay. She could not understand 
why they should do such a thing. Mounting her 
white palfrey, she rode after them with all possible 
speed, but the Knight had urged on his steed so 
fast it seemed almost useless to follow. Yet she 
never stayed to rest her weary limbs, but went on 
seeking her companions over hill and dale, and 
through wood and plain, sorely grieved in her 
tender heart that the one she loved best should 
leave her with such discourtesy. 

When the wicked Archimago saw that his 
cunning schemes had succeeded so well he was 
greatly pleased, and set to work to devise fresh 
mischief. It was Una whom he really hated, and 
he took great pleasure in her many troubles, for 
hypocrisy always hates real goodness. He had 
the power of turning himself into any shape he 
chose — sometimes he would be a fowl, sometimes 
a fish, now like a fox, now like a dragon. On the 
present occasion, to suit his evil purpose, it seemed 
34 


The Knight of Holiness 

best to him to assume the appearance of the good 
knight whom he had so cruelly beguiled. 

Therefore, Hypocrisy dressed himself up in 
armor with a silver shield and everything exactly 
like the Red Cross Knight. When he sat upon 
his fiery charger he looked such a splendid war- 
rior you would have thought that it was the Knight 
himself. 

SKoUnc00 ffi0bt0 3FaUble00, anb /Ibakc0 3Pr!cnb0 THaitb 
3fal0c IReliflion 

Meanwhile, Holiness had wandered far away. 
Now that he had left the Lady Una, he had 
nothing but his own will to guide him, and rode 
on without definite purpose. 

Presently, he saw coming to meet him another 
warrior, fully armed. The stranger was a great, 
rough fellow, who cared nothing for God or man; 
across his shield, in gay letters, was written “Sans 
Foy,’’ which means Faithless. 

He had with him a companion, a handsome lady, 
in dress of scarlet trimmed with gold and rich 
pearls. She rode a beautiful palfrey, with gay 
trappings, and little gold bells tinkled on her 
bridle. The two came along laughing and talking, 
but when the lady saw the Red Cross Knight, she 
ceased her merriment, and bade her companion 
attack him. 

Then the two knights leveled their spears and 

35 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 



rushed at each other, But 
when Faithless saw the red 
cross graven on the breastplate 
of the other, he knew that he 
could never prevail against that' 
safeguard. However, he fought 
with great fury, and the Red 
Cross Knight had a hard battle before overcoming 
him. At last the Knight slew his adversary, and 
told his servant to carry away the shield of Faith- 
less in token of victory. 

When the lady saw her companion fall, she fled 
in terror; but the Red Cross Knight hurried after 
her, and bade her stay, telling her that she had 
nothing to fear. His brave and gentle heart was - 
full of pity at her great distress, and he asked her 
to tell him who she was, and who was the man that 
had been with her. 


36 


BOOK II 


TLbc Iknigbt ot temperance 

Sit (5ui2on /iBcctg tbe /iRafiician 

A rchimago, the wicked magician, who had 
worked such mischief to Una and the Red 
Cross Knight, was very angry when he 
found that in the end all his evil wiles had been 
defeated, and that the Knight and the lady were 
happily betrothed. He would willingly have 
brought more trouble on them, but he was power- 
less to do any harm to Una, for she was now safely 
restored to her own kingdom, and living in the 
care of her father and mother. He therefore 
directed all his spite against the Knight, who had 
once more to set forth on his adventures, as he 
had promised Queen Gloriana to serve her faith- 
fully for six years. At the end of that time he 
hoped to return and marry Una, for the King, her 
father, had made him heir to the throne. 

Archimago, whose other name you may remem- 
ber was Hypocrisy, set his wits to work to see what 
harm he could do the Knight, for he knew that, 
after all the troubles he had fallen into, he would 
be more than usually careful. He kept laying 
III 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


snares for him, and placed spies wherever he went, 
but the Knight had now become so wise and wary 
that he always found out and shunned the danger. 
Archimago, however, still kept on hoping that he 
might find some way to harm him, and at last his 
opportunity came. 

It happened, one day, that the enchanter saw 
marching to meet him a noble Knight. The 
stranger was clad in shining armor and rode a 
splendid war-horse; his bearing was very stately, 
and his face, although calm and beautiful, was so 
stern and noble that all his friends loved him and 
his foes feared him. He was one of the chiei 
knights of Queen Gloriana’s court, a man of great 
honor and power in his native land. His name was 
Sir Guyon. 

As the Red Cross Knight was known as the 
Champion of Holiness, so Sir Guyon was known 
as the Knight of Temperance. 

With him there was an aged palmer or pilgrim, 
clad in black; his hair was gray and he leant on 
a staff. He was a wise and grave old man, and 
seemed to be acting as guide to the Knight, who 
carefully checked his prancing horse to keep pace 
with his slow footsteps. 

The name of the Black Palmer was Conscience, 
and he accompanied Sir Guyon as an adviser, in 
the same way as Prudence had gone with the Red 
Cross Knight. 

II2 



“ lapon tbe wap him fortune^ to mcete, 
jfalre marebjuG unOerneatb a gbaOic bill, 

B flOoDIp Ikiiitjbr, all armcD in barue^ec ineelc.” 





» ' 


The Knight of Temperance 

When Archimago saw Sir Guyon, he immedi- 
ately stopped him, just as on a former occasion he 
had stopped the Red Cross Knight. 

This time he had a new story to tell, which, of 
course, was perfectly false. He implored Sir 
Guyon to come to the help of a beautiful maiden, 
cruelly ill-treated by a rough knight, who had cut 
off her golden locks, and threatened to kill her 
with his sharp sword. 

“What!” cried Sir Guyon, his gentle nature 
roused to indignation, “is the man still alive who 
could do such a deed?” 

“He is alive and boasts of it,” said wicked 
Hypocrisy. “Nor has any other knight yet pun- 
ished him for it.” 

“Take me to him at once,” said Sir Guyon. 

“That I can easily do,” said Archimago. “I will 
show you where he is,” and he hurried off in high 
glee, because he thought that at last he had found 
a way of revenging himself on the Red Cross 
Knight. 

jFrieni) or ifoe 

Archimago and Sir Guyon came presently to a 
place where a beautiful lady sat alone, with torn 
clothes and ruffled hair. She was weeping bitterly 
and wringing her hands, and when Sir Guyon 
asked her the cause of her grief, she said it was 
because she had been cruelly treated by a rough 
knight. 

115 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


This lady who seemed so good and gentle was, 
in reality, no other than Dnessa, or Falsehood, 
who had formerly led the Red Cross Knight into 
s^ much trouble. Her old companion, Archi- 



mago, had found her wandering forlorn in the 
desert whither she had been banished by Prince 
Arthur, and had again decked her out in fine 
clothes and ornaments, so that she might help him 
in his wicked schemes. 

Ii6 



The Knight of Temperance 


Her cunning quite deceived Sir Guyon, who 
believed everything she told him. 

*‘Be comforted, fair lady,” he said, “and tell me 
who did this, so that I may punish him at once.” 

“I do not know his name,” she replied, “but he 
rode a dappled gray steed, and on his silver shield 
there was a red cross.” 

When Sir Guyon heard this he was amazed. 

“I cannot think how that Knight could have 
done such a deed,” he said, “for I can boldly say he 
is a right good Knight. I was present when he first 
took arms and started out to help the Lady Una, 
since when he has won-great glory. Nevertheless, 
he shall be made to explain this, and if he cannot 
clear himself of all blame, be sure he shall be well 
punished.” 

Duessa was greatly pleased when she heard this, 
for now she hoped there would be a quarrel be- 
tween the two Knights. 

Archimago then led Sir Guyon by an unknown 
way through woods and across mountains, till they 
came at last to a pleasant dale which lay between 
two hills. A little river ran through this valley, 
and by it sat a Knight with his helmet unlaced, re- 
freshing himself with the cool water after his long 
journey and hard work. 

“Yonder is the man!” cried Archimago. “He 
has come here thinking to hide himself, but in vain, 
for you will soon make him repent of his cruelty. 
117 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

All success to you! We will stay here, and watch 
from a distance.” 

Archimago and Duessa left Sir Guyon, who im- 
mediately rushed forward to the attack. The 
stranger, seeing a Knight hurrying so fiercely 
toward him, seized his own weapons, prepared for 
battle, and sprang to meet him. The two had 
almost met when Sir Guyon suddenly lowered his 
spear. 

‘‘Mercy, Sir Knight ! Mercy 1” he cried. “Par- 
don my rashness, that had almost led me to dis- 
grace my honor by raising my weapon against the 
sacred badge on your shield.” 

When the Red Cross Knight, for he indeed it 
was, heard the other’s voice, he knew him at 
once. 

“Ah ! dear Sir Guyon,” he said, bowing cour- 
teously, “it is I rather who should be blamed. In 
my reckless haste I almost did violence to the 
image of Queen Gloriana which I now see in- 
scribed on your shield. The fault is mine !” 

So the two Knights made friends, and talked 
very happily together, and Sir Guyon explained 
how he had been cheated by Archimago and 
Duessa, who had both now fled away. Then up 
came Guyon’s guide. Conscience, and as soon as 
his eye fell on the Red Cross Knight, he knew 
him, for he had seen him at the court of Queen 
Gloriana. 

ii8 


The Knight of Temperance 


“Joy be with you, and everlasting fame, for the 
great deeds you have done!” he cried. “Your 
glorious name is enrolled in the heavenly register, 
where you have won a seat among the saints. But 
we luckless mortals are only now beginning to 
run the race in which you have gained such 
renown.” Then to his master he said, “God 
grant you, Guyon, to end your work well, and 
bring your weary bark safely to the wished-for 
haven.” 

“Palmer,” said the Red Cross Knight, “give the 
praise to God, to whom all honor is due, and who 
made my hand the organ of His might. Attribute 
nothing to me except a willing heart; for all that 
I did, I only did as I ought. But as for you, fair 
sir, whose turn it is now,” he added to Guyon, 
“may you prosper, and may we hear thrice happy 
tidings of you;. for you are indeed worthy, both in 
courage and gentle manners.” 

Then the two Knights took leave of each other 
with much courtesy and goodwill. Sir Guyon 
went forward on his journey, still guided by the 
Black Palmer, who led him over hill and dale, 
pointing out the way with his stafif, and by his wise 
judgment guarding his master from all dangers 
into which his own hasty nature might have caused 
him to fall. 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


X^bc Stori? ot tbe IRnlgbt anb tbe Xabig 

After leaving the Red Cross Knight, Guyon 
and the Black Palmer, or Conscience, traveled for 
some distance, fighting and winning many battles 
as they went, which brought much honor to the 
Knight. 

But the chief adventure in Sir Guyon’s life began 
in this way: 

One day, passing- through a forest, they heard 
sounds of bitter weeping and lamentation. 

“If I cannot be revenged for all my misery,” 
cried a voice, '‘at least nothing can prevent my 
dying. Come, then, come soon, sweet death ! But, 
thou, my babe, who hast seen thy father’s fall, 
long mayest thou live, and thrive better than thy 
unhappy parents. Live to bear witness that thy 
mother died for no fault of her own.” 

When Sir Guyon heard these piteous words, he 
dismounted and rushed into the thicket, where he 
found a beautiful lady dying on the ground. In 
her arms there was a lovely babe, and the dead 
body of an armed knight lay close beside them. 

Horrified at the sight. Sir Guyon did all he could 
to restore the lady to life, but she begged him to 
leave her alone to die in peace; her sorrows, she 
said, were more than she could bear, and there- 
fore she had tried to kill herself. 

"Dear lady,” said Sir Guyon, "all that I 
120 


The Knight of Temperance 


wish is to comfort you, and to bring you 
some relief, therefore tell me the cause of your 
misfortune.” 

“Listen then,” she answered. “This dead man, 
the gentlest, bravest knight that ever lived, was 
my husband, the good Sir Mordant. One day he 
rode forth, as is the custom of knights, to seek 
adventures, and it chanced most unhappily he came 
to the place where the wicked Acrasia lives — 
Acrasia, the false enchantress, who has brought 
ruin on so many knights. Her dwelling is within 
a wandering island in Perilous Gulf. If ever you 
travel there, fair sir, shun the hateful place! I 
will tell you the name — it is called the Bower of 
Bliss. Acrasia’s one aim in life is Pleasure. In 
the Bower of Bliss nothing is thought of but eat- 
ing and drinking, and every kind of luxury and ex- 
travagance. All those who come within it forget 
everything good and noble, and care for nothing 
but to amuse themselves. When my dear Knight 
did not return to me, I set forth in search of him, 
and found him a captive to the spells of Acrasia. 
At first he did not even know me; but by-and-by 
I brought him back to a better state of mind, and 
persuaded him to leave the Bower of Bliss. But 
the wicked enchantress, angry at losing one of her 
victims, gave him a parting cup of poison, and 
stooping to drink at this well, he suddenly fell 
dead. When I saw this — ” Here the lady’s own 
I2I 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


words failed, and, lying down as if to sleep, quiet 
death put an end to all her sorrow. 

Sir Guyon felt such grief at what had happened 
that he could scarcely keep from weeping. Turn- 
ing to the Palmer, he said: '‘Behold here this 
image of human life, when raging passion, like a 
fierce tyrant, robs reason of its proper sway. The 
strong it weakens, and the weak it fills with fury; 
the strong fall soonest through excess of pleasure; 
the weak, through excess of grief. But Temper- 
ance with a golden rule can measure out a 
medium between the two, neither to be overcome 
by pleasure, nor to give way to despair. Death 
comes to all, the good and the bad alike, and, after 
death, each must answer for his own deeds.” 

So Sir Guyon and the Black Palmer dug a grave 
under the cypress trees, and here they tenderly 
placed the bodies of the Knight and the Lady, and 
bade them sleep in everlasting peace. And before 
they left the spot, Sir Guyon made a solemn vow 
that he would avenge the hapless little orphan 
child for the death of his parents. 

tTbc XTbrcc Ststcrg 

After the burial of the Knight and the Lady, 
Sir Guyon gave the babe into the care of the 
Palmer, and, lading himself with the heavy armor 
of the dead Sir Mordant, the two started again on 
their journey. But when they came to the place 
122 


« I 





. Bt last tbc^ to a Castle came, 
®iUIt cm a recite aOjogiUn^ to tbc seas/' 











The Knight of Temperance 


where Sir Guyon had left his steed, with its golden 
saddle and costly trappings, they found, to their 
surprise and vexation, that it had disappeared. 
They were obliged, therefore, to go forward on foot. 

By and by they came to a famous old castle, 
built on a rock near the sea. In this castle lived 
three sisters, who were so different in disposition 
that they could never agree. The eldest and the 
youngest were always quarreling, and they were 
both as disagreeable as possible to the middle 
sister. Elissa, the eldest, was very harsh and 
stern; she always looked discontented, and she 
despised every kind of pleasure or merriment. It 
was useless ever to attempt to make her smile; she 
was always frowning and scolding in a way not at 
all becoming to any gentle lady. 

Perissa, the youngest sister, was just as bad in 
the other direction; she cared for nothing but 
amusement, and was so full of play and laughter 
that she forgot all rules of right and reason, and 
became quite thoughtless and silly. She spent 
all her time in eating and drinking, and dressing 
herself up in fine clothes. 

These two sisters showed the evil of two ex- 
tremes, but the middle sister, Medina, or Golden 
Mean, as she was sometimes called, was the type 
of moderation, and of all that was right and 
proper. She was sweet, and gracious, and 
womanly; not harsh and stern, like Elissa, nor 
125 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

heedless and silly, like Perissa. She dressed 
richly, but quietly, and her clothes suited her well. 
She did not dress stingily, as did Elissa, nor ex- 
travagantly, as did Perissa. 

When Medina saw Sir Guyon approaching the 
castle, she met him on the threshold, and led him 
in like an honored guest. But her sisters were 
very angry when they heard of his arrival. There 
were two other visitors at the castle at that time, 
and they also were very angry. Sir Hudibras was 
a friend of the eldest sister. He was very savage 
and sullen, slow-witted, but big and strong. Sans 
Loy, or Lawless, was the friend of the youngest 
sister. He was the same Lawless who had been 
so cruel to poor Una, and he was just as bold and 
unruly now as he had been then, and he never 
cared what wrong he did to any one. 

These two hated each other, and were always 
quarreling, but when they heard of the coming of 
the stranger knight, they both flew to attack him. 
On the way, however, they began fighting with 
each other, and, hearing the noise, Sir Guyon ran 
to try to stop them, whereupon they both turned 
upon him. The two sisters stood by, and encour- 
aged them to go on fighting; but Medina ran in 
amongst them, and entreated them to stop. Her 
gentle words at last appeased their anger, and they 
laid down their weapons, and consented to become 
friends, 


126 


The Knight of Temperance 

Then Medina invited them all to a feast, which 
she had prepared in honor of Sir Guyon. Elissa 
and Perissa came very unwillingly, though they at- 
tempted to hide their envy under a pretence of 
cheerfulness. One sister thought the entertain- 
ment provided far too much, and the other 
sister thought it provided far too little. Elissa 
would scarcely speak or eat, while Perissa 
chattered and ate far more than was right or 
proper. 

After the feast, Medina begged Sir Guyon to 
tell them the story of his adventures, and to say 
on what quest he was now bound. 

Then Sir Guyon told them all about the court of 
the Faerie Queene, Gloriana, and how he had 
sworn service to her, and promised to go out into 
the world to fight every kind of evil. The task he 
had now in hand was to find out the wicked en- 
chantress, Acrasia, and to destroy her dwelling, 
for she had done more bad deeds than could be 
told, and, among them, had brought about the 
deaths of the father and mother of the poor little 
babe he had taken under his care. 

By the time Sir Guyon’s tale was finished the 
night was far spent, and all the guests in the castle 
betook themselves to rest. 


127 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


^SraefiaDocbio 

As soon as it was dawn, Sir Guyon arose, and, 
mindful of his appointed work, armed himself 
again for the journey. 

The babe whom he had rescued he entrusted to 
the tender care of Medina, entreating her to train 
him up as befitted his noble birth. Then, since 
his good steed had been stolen from him, he and 
the Palmer went forward on foot. 

It will be remembered that when Sir Guyon 
heard the Lady Amavia cry for help, he dis- 
mounted, and ran into the thicket, leaving his 
horse outside. While he was absent, there wan- 
dered that way an idle, worthless fellow, called 
Braggadochio. He was a man who never did 
anything great or good, but who was extremely 
vain and boastful, and always trying to make be- 
lieve that he was a great personage. When he saw 
the beautiful horse with its golden saddle and rich 
trappings, and Sir Guyon’s spear, he immediately 
took possession of them, and hurried away. He 
was so puffed up with self-conceit that he felt as if 
he were really some noble knight, and he hoped 
that every one else would think the same of him. 
He - determined to go first to court; where he 
thought such a gallant show would at once attract 
notice and gain him favor. 

Braggadochio had never been trained in chiv- 
128 


The Knight of Temperance 

airy; he rode very badly, and could not control Sir 
Guyon’s splendid high-spirited horse at all. He 
managed, however, to stick on, and presently, see- 
ing a man sitting on a bank by the roadside, and 
wishing to show off, he rode at him, pretending 



to aim at him with his spear. The silly fellow fell 
down with fear, and cried out for mercy. Brag- 
gadochio was very proud and delighted at this, and 
shouted at him in a loud voice, “Die, or yield thy- 
self my captive !’' The man was so terrified that 
129 



The Story of the Faerie Queene 


he promised at once to become Braggaclochio’s 
servant. So the two went on together. Th^y 
were well suited, for both were vain, and false, and 
cowardly; Braggadochio tried to get his own way 
by bluster, and his companion by cunning. 

Trompart, or Deceit, for that was the man’s 
name, speedily discovered the folly of his master. 
He was very quick-witted and well accustomed to 
every form of cunning trickery, and, to suit his 
own purpose, he flattered up Braggadochio, and 
did all he could to encourage his idle vanity. 

Presently, as the two went along, they met the 
wicked magician. Archimago, or Hypocrisy, who 
was now just as angry with Sir Guy on as he had 
been before with the Red Cross Knight. When he 
saw Braggadochio, Archimago thought he had 
found a good opportunity to be revenged on both 
these knights, and, going up to him, he asked if he 
would be willing to fight Sir Guyon and the Red 
Cross Knight. 

Braggadochio immediately pretended to fall 
into a great rage against them, and said he would 
slay them both. Then Archimago, seeing that he 
had no sword, warned him that he must arm him- 
self with the very best weapons, for they were two 
of the mightiest warriors living. 

“Silly old man!” said Braggadochio boastfully. 
“Stop giving advice. Isn’t one brave man enough, 
without sword or shield, to make an army quail? 

130 


The Knight of Temperance 

You little know what this right hand can do. 
Once, when I killed seven knights with one sword, 
I swore henceforth never to wear a sword in battle 
again, unless it could be the one that the noblest 
knight on earth wears.” 

“Good!” said the magician quickly; “that sword 
you shall have very shortly. For now the best and 
noblest knight alive is Prince Arthur, who lives 
in the land of the Faerie Queene. He has a sword 
that is like a flaming brand. I will undertake that, 
by my devices, this sword is found to-morrow at 
your side.” 

At these words the boaster began to quake, for 
he could not think who it was that spoke like this. 
Then Archimago suddenly vanished, for the north 
wind, at his command, carried him away, lifting 
him high into the air. 

Braggadochio and Deceit looked all about, but 
could find no trace of him. Nearly dead with 
fright, they both fled, never turning to look round 
until at last, they came to a green forest where they 
hid themselves. Even here fear followed them, 
and every trembling leaf and rustle of the wind 
made their hair stand on end. 

3Puri2^0 Captive 

As Sir Guyon and his Guide, the Black Palmer, 
went on their way, they saw at some distance what 
seemed to be a great uproar and commotion. 

131 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

Hurrying near, they found a big savage man drag- 
ging along and beating a handsome youth. An 
ugly old woman followed them, shouting and rail- 
ing, and urging the man not to let go the youth, 
but to treat him worse and worse. 

The name of the bad man was Fury; the old 
woman was his mother, and was called Occasion. 
The youth was a young squire, named Phaon. 

Fury had Phaon completely in his power, but in 
his blind and senseless rage he scarcely knew what 
he was about, and spent half his force in vain. He 
often struck wide of the mark, and frequently hurt 
himself unawares, like a bull rushing at random, 
not knowing where he hits and not caring whom 
he hurts. 

When Sir Guyon saw the sad plight of the 
young squire, he ran to help him; but Fury grap- 
pled with the Knight and flung him to the ground. 
Sir Guyon sprang to his feet and drew his sword, 
but seeing this, the Palmer cried, ‘'Not so, O 
Guyon; never think the monster can be mastered 
or destroyed in that fashion. He is not a foe to 
be wounded by steel or overthrown by strength. 
This cruel wretch is Fury, who works much woe 
and shame to knighthood. That old hag, his 
mother, is the cause of all his wrath and spite. 
Whoever will conquer Fury, must first get hold of 
Occasion and master her. When she is gotten 
rid of, or strongly withstood, Fury himself is 
132 





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The Knight of Temperance 


easily managed. But she is very difficult to catch, 
for her hair hangs so thickly over her eyes that it 
is often impossible to know her, and when she 
has once slipped past, you can never overtake her.” 

When Sir Guyon heard this, he left Fury and 
went to catch Occasion. All happened as the 
Palmer said. As soon as the wicked old woman 
was captured, and her angry tongue silenced, her 
son turned to fly. Sir Guyon followed, and soon 
made him a prisoner; but even when bound in 
iron chains. Fury kept grinding and gnashing his 
teeth, shaking his copper-colored locks, and 
threatening revenge. 

Then Sir Guyon turned to the young squire, 
and asked him how he had fallen into the power 
of such a wretch. 

Phaon said that all his misfortunes arose from 
his giving way to wrath and jealousy. He had a 
dear friend about whom malicious stories were 
told, and without waiting to find out whether or 
not they were true, he killed this friend in sudden 
anger. When he discovered that he had been 
misled, and that his friend was innocent, he was 
filled with grief, and swore to be revenged on the 
two people who had deceived him. To one he 
gave a deadly draught of poison, and the other he 
was pursuing with a drawn sword, when he himself 
was overtaken by Fury, who completely mastered 
him. 


135 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


“As long as I live,” he ended, “I shall never get 
over the agony caused me by Grief and Fury.” 

“Sir Squire,” said Sir Guyon, “you have suffered 
much, but all your ills may be softened if you do 
not give way to such violence.” 

Then said the Palmer, “Wretched is the man 
who never learns to govern his passions. At first 
they are feeble and can be easily managed, but 
through lack of control they lead to fearful re- 
sults. Fight against them while they are young, 
for when they get strong they do their best to 
overcome all the good in you. Ungoverned 
wrath, jealousy, and grief have been the cause of 
this squire’s downfall.” 

“Unfortunate Phaon,” said Sir Guyon; “since 
you have fallen into trouble through your hot, 
impatient disposition, henceforth take heed, and 
govern your ways carefully, lest a worse evil 
come upon you.” 

While Sir Guyon spoke, they saw far off a man 
runnning toward them, whose flying feet went so 
fast that he was almost hidden in a cloud of dust. 

XTbe Bnaer of iffre 

The man, hot, panting and breathless, soon 
reached Sir Guyon and the Palmer. He was a 
bold-looking fellow, not being in the least abashed 
by Sir Guyon, but casting scornful glances at him. 

Upon his back he bore a brazen shield, which 
136 


The Knight of Temperance 


looked as if it belonged to some famous knight. 
On it was drawn the picture of a flaming fire, 
round which were the words “Burnt, I do burn.” 
In his hand the man carried two sharp and slender 
darts, tipped with poison. 

When he came near, he said boldly to Guyon, 
“Sir Knight — if you be a knight — I advise you 
to leave this place at once, for fear of further harm. 
If you choose to stay, you do so at your own peril !” 

Sir Guyon wondered at the fellow’s boldness, 
though he scorned his idle vanity. He asked him 
mildly why any harm would come to him if he 
remained. 

“Because,” replied the man, “there is now com- 
ing, and close at hand, a knight of wondrous 
power, who never yet met an enemy without doing 
him deadly harm, or frightening him dreadfully. 
You need not hope for any better fate, if you 
choose to stay.” 

“What is his name?” said Sir Guyon, “and where 
does he come from?” 

“His name is Pyrocles, which means the Anger 
of Fire,” was the answer, “and he is called so from 
his hot and cruel temper. He is the brother of 
Cymocles, which means the Anger of the Sea- 
Waves, for Cymocles is wild and revengeful. They 
are the sons of Malice and Intemperance. I am 
Strife, the servant of Pyrocles, and I find work for 
him to do and stir him up to mischief. Fly, there- 

137 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


fore, from this dreadful place, or your foolhardi- 
ness may bring you into danger.” 

“Never mind about that,” said Sir Guyon, “but 
tell me whither you are now bound. For it must be 
some good reason that makes you in such a hurry.” 

“My master has sent me to seek out Occasion,” 
said Strife. “He is furious to fight, and woe betide 
the man who first falls in his way.” 

“You must be mad,” said the Palmer, “to seek 
out Occasion and cause for strife. She comes un- 
sought, and follows even when shunned. Happy 
the man who can keep away from her.” 

“Look,” said Sir Guyon, “yonder she sits, bound. 
Take that message to your master.” 

At this Strife grew very angry, and seizing one 
of his darts, he hurled it at Sir Guyon. The 
Knight caught it on his shield, whereupon Strife 
fled away, and was soon lost to sight. 

Not long after. Sir Guyon saw a fierce-looking 
knight riding swiftly toward him. His armor 
sparkled like fire, and his horse was bright red, 
and champed and chafed at his bit as his master 
spurred him roughly forward. This was Pyrocles. 

Not waiting to speak, he furiously attacked Sir 
Guyon, but after a sharp battle he was utterly de- 
feated, and obliged to beg for mercy. 

This Sir Guyon courteously granted, and asked 
the reason why Pyrocles had attacked him so 
fiercely. 


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The Knight of Temperance 

The knight replied that it was because he heard 
that Sir Guyon had taken captive a poor old 
woman, and chained her up. He demanded that 
she and her son Fury should be set free. 

“And is that all that has so sorely displeased 
you?’’ said Sir Guyon, smiling. “There they are; 
I hand them over to you.” 

Pyrocles, delighted, rushed to set free the cap- 
tives, but they were scarcely untied before their 
rage and spite burst forth with double fury. They 
did everything they could to make Pyrocles and 
Sir Guyon fight again. They not only railed 
against Sir Guyon for being the conqueror, but 
also against Pyrocles for allowing himself to be 
conquered. 

Sir Guyon stood apart and refused to be drawn 
into the quarrel; but Pyrocles could not help be- 
coming enraged, and he and Fury were soon in 
the midst of a terrible fight. 

Seeing that Pyrocles was being worsted. Sir 
Guyon would have gone to his help, but the Palmer 
held him back, and refused to let him interfere. 

“No,” he said firmly, “it is idle for you to pity 
him. He has brought this trouble upon himself 
by his own folly and wilfulness, and he must now 
bear the punishment.” 

So, as there was nothing more to be done, Sir 
Guyon and the Palmer continued on their 
journey. 

141 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


tibc 1FMe Xafte 

In the course of their journey, Sir Guyon and 
the Palmer came to the shores of a great lake. 
The water of this lake was thick and sluggish, un- 
moved by any wind or tide. In the midst of it 
floated a fertile island, like a little nest among the 
wide waves. The island was full of dainty herbs 
and flowers and beautiful trees, with birds singing 
sweetly on every branch. But everything there — 
the flowers, the trees, and the singing birds — only 
served to tempt weak-minded people to be idle and 
slothful. Lying on the soft grass in some shady 
dell, they forgot there was any such thing as work 
or duty, and cared for nothing but to sleep and 
dream away the time. 

Up to the present Sir Guyon had only to face 
adventures of a stern and painful kind, but now he 
was to be put to quite a different test. Would he 
fall a prey to the sloth and luxury of this island, 
or would he remain faithful to his knightly duty? 

When Sir Guyon and his companion. Con- 
science, came to the shore of the lake, they saw, 
floating near, a little gondola, all decked with 
boughs. In the gondola sat a beautiful lady, 
amusing herself by singing and laughing loudly. 
She came at once when Guyon called, and offered 
to ferry him across the lake; but when the Knight 
was in the boat, she refused to let the Palmer get 
142 


The Knight of Temperance 


in, and neither money nor entreaties would induce 
her to take the old man with them. Sir Guyon was 
very unwilling to leave his guide behind, but he 
could not go back, for the boat, obeying the lady’s 
wish, shot away more swiftly than a swallow flies. 
It needed no oar nor pilot to guide it, nor any 
sails to carry it with the wind; it knew how to go 
exactly where its owner wanted, and could save 
itself both from rocks and shoals. 

The name of the lady in the gondola was 
Phsedria; she was one of the servants of the wicked 
enchantress, Acrasia, whom Sir Guyon was now on 
his way to attack. She hoped that the beautiful 
island would entrap the Knight, and make him 
delay his journey and forget his purpose. 

On the way, as was her custom, she began 
joking and laughing, thinking this would amuse 
her guest. Sir Guyon was so kind and courteous 
that he was quite ready to join in any real merri- 
ment; but when he saw his companion become 
noisier and sillier every moment, he began to de- 
spise her and did not care to share her foolish 
attempts at fun. But she went on in the same 
manner till at last they reached the island. 

When Sir Guyon saw this land, he knew he was 
out of his way, and was very angry. 

'‘Lady,” he said, “you have not done right to 
mislead me, when I trusted you. There was no 
need for me to have strayed from my right way.” 

143 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

“Fair sir,” she said, “do not be angry. He who 
travels on the sea cannot command his way, nor. 
order wind and weather at his pleasure. The sea 
is wide, and it is easy to go astray on it; the wind 
is uncertain. But here you may rest awhile in 
safety, till the season serves to attempt a new 
passage. Better be safe in port than on a rough 
sea,” she ended laughingly. 

Sir Guyon was not at all pleased, but he checked 
his anger and stepped on shore. Phaedria at once 
began to show off all the delights of the island, 
which grew in beauty wherever she went. The 
flowers sprang freshly, the trees burst into bud and 
early blossom, and a whole chorus of birds broke 
into song. And the lady, more sweetly than any 
bird on bough, would often sing with them, as she 
easily could, their native music with her skilful art. 
She strove, by every device in her power, so to 
charm Sir Guyon that he would forget all deeds of 
daring and his knightly duty. 

But Sir Guyon was wise, and took care not to 
be carried away by these delights, though he would 
not seem so rude as to despise anything that a 
gentle lady did to give him pleasure. He spoke 
many times of his desire to leave, but she kept on 
making excuses to delay his journey. 

Now it happened that Phaedria had already 
allured to the island another knight. This was 
Cymocles, the brother of Pyrocles, whom you may 
144 


The Knight of Temperance 

remember Sir Guyon had lately fought and con- 
quered. Cymocles was lost in heavy sleep when 
Sir Guyon arrived, but when he awoke and dis- 
covered the stranger, he flew at once into a furious 
rage, and rushed to attack him. 

Sir Guyon, of course, was quite ready to defend 
himself, and Cymocles soon found that he had 
never before met so powerful a foe. The fight 
between them was so terrible that Phaedria, over- 
come with pity and dismay, rushed forward, and 
implored them, for her sake, to cease. She blamed 
herself as the cause of all the mischief, and en- 
treated them not to disgrace the name of knight- 
hood by strife and cruelty, but to make peace and 
be friends. 

So soothing was the effect of her gentle words 
on their brave and generous hearts, that immedi- 
ately their rage began to abate. When all was 
over. Sir Guyon again begged the lady to permit 
him to depart, and to give him passage to the 
opposite shore. She was now . glad for him to go, 
for she saw that all her folly and vain delights were 
powerless to tempt him from his duty, and she 
did not want her selfish ease and pleasure to be 
troubled with terror and the clash of arms. So 
she bade him get into the little boat again, and 
soon conveyed him swiftly to the farther strand. 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


XLbc IRealm of Pluto 

Sir Guyon, having lost his trusty guide, who 
was left behind on the shore of the Idle Lake, had 
now to go on his way alone. At last he came to 
a gloomy glade, where the thick branches and 
shrubs shut away the daylight. There, lurking in 
the shade, he found a rude, savage man, very ugly 
and unpleasant-looking. His face was tanned with 
smoke, his eyes dull, his head and beard streaked 
with soot, his hands were coal-black, as if burnt at 
a smith’s forge, and his nails were like claws. 

His iron coat, all overgrown with rust, was 
lined with gold, which, though now darkened 
with dirt, seemed as if it had been formerly a 
work of rich and curious design. In his lap he 
counted over a mass of coin, feasting his eyes and 
his covetous wishes with the sight of his huge 
treasury. Round about on every side lay great 
heaps of gold, which could never be spent: some 
were the rough ore., others were beaten into great 
ingots and square wedges; some were round plates 
without mark of any kind, but most were stamped, 
and bore the ancient and curious inscription of 
some king or emperor. 

As soon as the man saw Sir Guyon, he rose, in 
great haste and fright, to hide his mounds of 
treasure, and began with trembling hands to pour 
them through a wide hole in the earth. But Sir 
146 


The Knight of Temperance 



Guyon, though he was himself dismayed at the 
sight, sprang lightly forward to stop him. 

“Who are you who live here in the desert, and 
hide away from people’s sight, and from their 
proper use, all these rich heaps of wealth?” he 
asked. 


147 




The Story of the Faerie Queene 

Looking at him with great disdain, the man re- 
plied, “You are very rash and heedless of yourself, 
Sir Knight, to come here to trouble me and my 
treasure. I call myself ‘King of this world and of 
worldlings.’ I am Mammon, the greatest power 
on earth. Riches, renown, honor, estate, and all 
the goods of this world, for which men incessantly 
toil, flow forth from me in abundance. If you will 
deign to serve and follow me, all these mountains 
of gold shall be at your command, and, if these 
will not suffice, you shall have ten times as much.” 

“Mammon,” said the Knight, “your boast of 
kingship is in vain, and your bribe of golden wages 
is useless. Offer your gifts to those who covet 
such dazzling gain. Ill would it befit me, who 
spend my days in deeds of daring and pursuit of 
honor, to pay any attention to the tempting baits 
with which you bewitch weak men. Any desire 
for worldly dross debases the true heroic spirit 
which joys in fighting for crowns and kingdoms. 
Fair shields, gay steeds, and bright armor are my 
delight. These are the riches fit for a venturous 
knight.” 

Mammon went on trying to tempt the Knight 
with all sorts of alluring promises, but Sir Guyon 
stood firm. He pointed out the evils that had 
come through riches, which he regarded the root 
of all unquietness. “Riches,” he said, “are first 
obtained through guile, then kept with dread, 
148 


The Knight of Temperance 


afterward spent with pride and lavishness, and 
leave behind them grief and heaviness. They are 
the cause of infinite mischief, strife, and debate, 
bloodshed and bitterness, wrong-doing and covet- 
ousness, which noble hearts despise as dishonor. 
For them innocent people are murdered, kings 
slain, and great cities sacked and burnt; other evils, 
too numerous to mention, are their recompense.” 

“Son,” said Mammon at last, “let be your scorn, 
and leave the wrongs done in the old days to those 
who lived in them. You who live in these later 
times must work for wealth, and risk your life for 
gold. If you choose to use what I proffer, take 
all you please of this abundance; if you refuse, do 
not afterward long for the thing you have re- 
jected.” 

“I do not choose to receive anything,” replied 
the Knight, “until I am sure that it has been welj 
come by. How do I know but that you have taken 
these goods by force or fraud from their rightful 
owners?” 

“No eye has ever yet seen, nor tongue counted, 
nor hand handled them,” said Mammon. “I keep 
them safe hidden in a secret place. Come and 
see.” 

Then Mammon led Sir Guyon through the thick 
covert, and found a dark way which no man could 
spy, that went de^p down into the ground, and was 
compassed round with dread and horror. At 
149 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

length they came into a larger space, that stretched 
into a wide plain; a broad-beaten highway ran 
across this, leading straight to the grisly realm' of 
Pluto, ruler of the Lower Regions. 

It was indeed a horrible road. By the wayside 
sat fiendish Vengeance and turbulent Strife, one 
brandishing an iron whip, the other a knife, and 
both gnashing their teeth and threatening the lives 
of those who went by. On the other side, in one 
group, sat cruel Revenge and rancorous Spite, dis- 
loyal Treason and heart-burning Hate; but gnaw- 
ing Jealousy sat alone out of their sight, biting his 
lips; and trembling Fear ran to and fro, finding no 
place where he might safely hide himself. La- 
menting Sorrow lay in the darkness, and Shame 
hid his ugly face from living eye. Over them al- 
ways fluttered grim Horror, beating his iron 
wings, and after him flew owls and night-ravens, 
messengers of evil tidings, while a Harpy — a 
hideous bird of ill omen — sitting on a cliff near, 
sang a song of bitter sorrow that would have 
broken a heart of flint, and when it was ended flew 
swiftly after Horror. 

All these lay before the gates of Pluto, and pass- 
ing by. Sir Guyon and Mammon said nothing 
to them, but all the way wonder fed the eyes and 
filled the thoughts of Sir Guyon. 

At last Mammon brought him to a little door 
adjoining the wide-open gate of Hades; now only 

150 


The Knight of Temperance 

a little space divided the House of Riches from the 
mouth of the Lower Regions. 

Before the door sat self-consuming Care, keep- 
ing watch and ward, day and night, for fear lest 
Force or Fraud should break in and steal the 
treasure *he was guarding. Nor would he allow 
Sleep to come near, although his drowsy den was 
next. 

As soon as Mammon arrived, the door opened 
and gave passage to him. Sir Guyon kept follow- 
ing, for neither darkness nor danger could dismay 
him. 

Zbc Cave of /llbammon 

As soon as Mammon and Sir Guyon entered the 
House of Riches, the door immediately closed 
itself, and from behind it leaped forth an ugly fiend, 
who followed them wherever they went. He kept 
an eager watch on Guyon, hoping that before long 
the Knight would lay a covetous hand on some of 
the treasures, in which case he was ready to tear 
him to pieces with his claws. 

The house inside was rude and strong, like a 
huge cave hewn out of the cliff ; from cracks in the 
rough vault hung lumps of gold, and every rift was 
laden with rich metal, while high above all the 
spider spun her crafty web, smothered in smoke 
and clouds blacker than jet. The roof and floor 
and walls were all of gold, but so covered with dust 
and hidden in darkness, that no one could see their 

151 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


color. The cheerful daylight never came inside 
that house, only a faint shadow of uncertain light, 
like a dying lamp. Nothing was to be seen but 
great iron chests and strong coffers, all barred with 
double bands of metal, so that no one could force 
them open by violence; but all the ground was 
strewn with the bones of dead men, who had lost 
their lives in that place, and were now left there 
unburied. 

They passed on, and Guyon spoke not a word 
till they came to an iron door, which opened to 
them of its own accord, and showed them such a 
store of riches as the eye of man had never seen 
before. 

Then Mammon, turning to the warrior, said, 
“Behold here the world’s happiness ! Behold here 
the end at which all men aim, to be made rich! 
Such favor is now laid before you.” 

“I will not have your offered favor,” said the 
Knight, “nor do I intend to be happy in that way. 
Before my eyes I place another happiness, another 
end. To those that take pleasure in them, 1 re- 
sign these base things. But I prefer to spend my 
fleeting hours in fighting and brave deeds, and 
would rather be lord over those who have riches 
than have them myself, and be their slave.” 

At that the fiend gnashed his teeth, and was 
angry because he was kept so long from his prey, 
for he thought that so glorious a bait would surely 

152 



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avise tbec well, anb ebaunge xbv wilfull moob/» 



The Knight of Temperance 


have tempted his guest. Had it done so, he would 
have snatched him away lighter than a dove in a 
falcon’s claws. 

But when Mammon saw that he had missed his 
object, he thought of another way to entrap the 
Knight unawares. He led him away into another 
room where there were an hundred furnaces burn- 
ing fiercely. By every furnace were evil spirits hor- 
rible to see, busily engaged in tending the fires, 
or working with the molten metal. When they 
saw Guyon they all stood motionless to wonder 
at him, for they had never seen such a mortal be- 
fore; he was almost afraid of their staring eyes and 
hideous figures. 

’‘'Behold what living eye has never seen before,” 
said Mammon. “Here is the fountain of the 
world’s good. If, therefore, you will be rich, be 
well advised and change your wilful mood, lest 
hereafter you may wish and not be able to have.” 

“Let it suffice that I refuse all your idle offers,” 
said Guyon. “All that I need I have. Why 
should I covet more than I can use? Keep such 
vain show for your worldlings, but give me leave to 
follow my quest.” 

Mammon was much displeased, but he led him 
forward, to entice him further. He brought him 
through a dark and narrow way to a broad gate, 
built of beaten gold. The gate was open, but 
there stood in front of it a sturdy fellow, very bold 

155 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

and defiant. In his right hand he held an iron 
club, but he himself seemed as if he were made of 
gold. His name was Disdain. When he saw 
Guyon he brandished his club, but Mammon bade 
him be still, and led his guest past him. 

He took him into a large place, like some 
solemn temple; great golden pillars upheld the 
massive roof, and every pillar was decked with 
crowns and diadems, such as princes wore while 
reigning on earth. A crowd of people of every 
sort and nation was there assembled, all pressing 
with a great uproar to the upper part, where was 
placed a high throne. On it sat a woman clad in 
gorgeous robes of royalty. Her face seemed 
marvelously fair; her beauty threw such brightness 
round that all men could see it; it was not real 
beauty, however, for it was largely the work of 
art. 

As she sat there, she held a great gold chain, 
the upper end of which reached into the heavens, 
and the other deep down into the lower regions; 
and all the crowd around her pressed to catch hold 
of that chain, to climb aloft by it, and excel others. 

The name of the chain was Ambition, and every 
link was a step of dignity. Some thought to raise 
themselves to a high place by riches, some by force, 
some by flattery, some by friends — and all by 
wrong ways, for those that were up themselves 
kept others low, and those that were low held tight 


The Knight of Temperance 

hold of others, not letting them rise, while every 
one strove to throw down his companions. 

When Guyon saw this he began to ask what all 
the crowd meant, and who was the lady that sat on 
the throne. 

“That goodly person, round whom every one 
flocks, is my dear daughter,” said Mammon. 
“From her alone comes honor and dignity, and 
this world’s happiness, for which all men struggle, 
but which few attain. She is called Philotime, the 
Love of Honor, and she is the fairest lady in the 
world. Since you have found favor with me, I 
will make her your wife, if you like, that she may 
advance you because of your work and just 
merits.” 

“I thank you. Mammon,” said the gentle 
Knight, “for offering me such favor, but I am 
only a mortal, and, I know well, an unworthy 
match for such a wife. And, if I were not, yet is 
my troth plighted and my love declared to another 
lady, and to change one’s love without cause is a 
disgrace to a knight.” 

Mammon was inwardly enraged, but, hiding his 
feelings, he led him away, through the grisly 
shadows, by a beaten path, into a garden well 
furnished with herbs and fruits of unknown kinds. 
They were not such as men gather from the fertile 
earth, sweet and of good taste, but deadly black, 
both leaf and flower. Here grew cypress and 

157 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

ebony, poppy and deadly nightshade, hemlock, 
and many other poisonous plants. The place was 
called the Garden of Proserpine. In the midst was 
a silver seat, under a thick arbor, and near by grew 
a great tree with spreading branches, laden with 
golden apples. 

Mammon showed the Knight many wonders in 
the Garden of Proserpine, and tried to tempt him 
to sit in the silver seat, or to eat of the golden 
apples. If Guyon had done so, the horrible mon- 
ster who waited behind would have pounced on 
him and torn him to pieces; but Guyon was wary 
and would not yield to temptation, so the beguiler 
was cheated of his prey. But now he began to feel 
weak and ill for want of food and sleep, for three 
days had passed since he entered the cave. So he 
begged Mammon to guide him back to the surface 
of the earth by the way they had come. Mammon, 
though very unwilling, was forced to obey; but the 
change was too much for Guyon in his feeble state, 
and as soon as he came into the light, and began 
to breathe the fresh air, he fainted away. 

XTbc Cbampion of Cbivalrs 

During the time that Guyon stayed in the house 
of Mammon, the Palmer, whom the maid of the 
Idle Lake had refused to take in her boat, had 
found a passage in some other way. On his jour- 
ney he came near the place where Guyon lay in a 


The Knight of Temperance 



trance, and suddenly he heard a voice calling loud 
and clear, ‘‘Come hither, come hither! Oh, come 
quickly!” 

He hurried in the direction of the cry, which 
led him to the shady dell where Mammon had 

159 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


formerly counted his wealth. Here he found 
Guyon senseless on the ground, but watched over 
by a beautiful angel. 

At first he was dismayed, but the angel bade him 
not be frightened, for life and renewed vigor would 
soon come back to the Knight. She now handed 
him over to the charge of the Palmer, and bade 
him watch with care, for fresh evil was at hand. 

Thus saying, the angel vanished, and the 
Palmer, turning to look at Guyon, was rejoiced 
to find a feeble glimmer of life in him, which he 
nourished tenderly. 

At last there came that way two Pagan knights 
in shining armor, led by an old man, and with a 
light-footed page far in front, scattering mischief 
and enmity wherever he went. These were the 
two bad brothers, Pyrocles and Cymocles, the sons 
of Anger, guided by the false Archimago, while 
their servant, Atin, or Strife, stirred them up to 
quarreling and vengeance. 

When they came to the place where the Palmer 
sat watching over the sleeping body of the Knight, 
they knew the latter at once, for they had both 
lately fought with him. They reviled the Palmer, 
and began heaping abuse on Sir Guyon, whom 
they thought dead, and declared that they would 
strip him of his armor, which was much too good 
for such a worthless creature. The Palmer im- 
plored them not to do such a shameful and dis- 
i6o 


The Knight of Temperance 


honorable deed, but his entreaties were vain; one 
brother laid his hand on the shield, the other on 
the helmet, both fiercely eager to possess them- 
selves of the spoil. 

At this moment they saw coming toward them 
an armed knight of bold and lofty grace, whose 
squire bore after him an ebony spear and a covered 
shield. Well did the magician know him by his 
arms and bearing when he saw his prancing Libyan 
steed, and he cried to the brothers, “Rise quickly, 
and prepare yourselves for battle, for yonder 
comes the mightiest knight alive — Prince Arthur, 
the flower of grace and chivalry.” 

The brothers were so impressed that they started 
up and hastily prepared for battle. Pyrocles, who 
had lost his own weapons in the fight with Fury, 
snatched a sword from Archimago, although the 
latter warned him it was a magic sword, and would 
do no harm to Prince Arthur, for whom it had 
been made long ago, and who was its rightful 
owner. Pyrocles only laughed at the magician’s 
warning, and having bound Guyon’s shield to his 
wrist, he was ready for the fray. 

By that time the stranger Knight had come 
near, and greeted them courteously. They re- 
turned no answer, but looked very disdainful, and 
then, turning to the Palmer, Prince Arthur noticed 
that at his feet lay an armed man, in whose face 
he read great nobility. 

i6i 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

‘‘Reverend sir,” he said, “what great misfortune 
hath befallen this Knight? Did he die a natural 
death, or did he fall by treason or by fight?” 

“Not by one nor the other,” said the Palmer; 
“but his senses are drowned in sleep, and these 
cruel foes have taken advantage of it to revenge 
their spite and rob him of his armor; but, you, 
fair sir, whose honorable look promises hope of 
help, may I beseech you to take pity on his sad 
plight, and by your power protect him?” 

“Palmer,” he said, “there is no knight so rude, 
I trust, as to do outrage to a sleeping spirit. 
Maybe, better reason will soften their wanton 
deed. Well-chosen words have a secret power 
in appeasing anger. If not, leave to me your 
Knight’s last defence.” 

Then, turning to the brothers, he first tried what 
persuasion would do. He took for granted that 
their wrath was provoked by wrongs they had 
suffered, and did not challenge the right or justice 
of their actions; but, on behalf of the sleeping man, 
he entreated pardon for anything he might have 
done amiss. 

To this gentle speech the brothers made rude 
and insulting answers, and Pyrocles, not waiting to 
set the Prince on guard, lifted high the magic 
sword, thinking to kill him. The faithful steel re- 
fused to harm its master, but the blow was so 
furious it made both man and horse reel. Prince 
162 


The Knight of Temperance 

Arthur was such a splendid rider that he did not 
fall from the saddle; but, full of anger, he cried 
fiercely — 

“False traitor! you have broken the law of arms 
by striking a foe unchallenged, but you shall soon 
right bitterly taste the fruit of your treason, and 
feel the law which you have disgraced.” 

With that he leveled his spear at Pyrocles, and 
the two were soon engaged in a fiery battle. 
Cymocles rushed to his brother’s aid, and they 
both fell on the Prince with terrific fury, so that 
he had hard work to defend himself. So mighty 
was his power that neither of his foes could with- 
stand him; but whenever he smote at Pyrocles, the 
latter threw in front of him Guyon’s shield, on 
which was portrayed the face of the Faerie Queene, 
and when he saw this, the Prince’s hand relented, 
and he stayed the stroke because of the love and 
loyalty he bore the picture. This often saved the 
Pagan knight from deadly harm, but at last Prince 
Arthur overcame and killed both him and his 
brother, while false Archimago and Strife fled fast 
away. 

By this time Sir Guyon had awakened from his 
trance, and was much grieved when he found that 
his shield and sword had disappeared; but when he 
saw beside him his faithful companion, whom he 
had lost some days before, he was very glad. The 
Palmer was delighted to see him rise, and told him 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


not to trouble about the loss of his weapons, for 
they would soon be restored to him. Then he told 
Sir Guyon all that had happened, and how the 
strange knight had fought for him with the two 
wicked brothers. 

When he heard this. Sir Guyon was deeply 
touched, and felt his heart fill with affection. 
Bowing to Prince Arthur with due reverence, as 
to the defender of his life, he said, “My lord, my 
liege, by whose most gracious aid I this day live 
and see my foes subdued, what reward would be 
sufficient to repay you for your great goodness, 
unless to be ever bound — ” 

But the Prince interrupted. “Fair sir, what 
need is there to reckon a good turn as a debt to be 
paid? Are not all knights bound by oath to with- 
stand the power of the oppressor? It is sufficient 
that I have done my duty properly.’’ 

So they both found that a good deed is made 
gracious by kindness and courtesy. 

XTbe Mouse ot temperance 

After the Pagan brothers were conquered, and 
Prince Arthur had recovered his stolen sword and 
Guyon his lost shield, the two went on their way 
together, talking pleasantly. When the sun was 
near setting they saw in the distance a goodly 
castle, placed near a river in a pleasant valley. 
Thinking this place would do to spend the night in, 
164 


The Knight of Temperance 


they marched thither, but when they came near, 
and dismounted from their tired steeds, they found 
the gates barred and every fastening locked, as 
though for fear of foes. They thought this was 
done as an insult to them, to prevent their entrance, 
till the squire blew his horn under the castle wall, 
which shook with the sound as if it would fall. 
Then a watchman quickly looked forth from the 
highest tower, and called loudly to the knights to 
ask what they required so rudely. They gently 
answered that they wished to enter. 

“Fly, fly, good knights!” said the watchman; 
“fly fast away if you love your lives, as it is right 
you should. Fly fast, and save yourselves from 
instant death. You may not enter here, though 
we would most willingly let you in if we could. 
But a thousand enemies rage around us, who have 
held the castle in siege for seven years, and many 
good knights who have sought to save us have 
been slain.” 

As he spoke, a thousand villains, with horrible 
outcry, swarmed around them from the adjoining 
rocks and caves — vile wretches, ragged, rude, and 
hideous, all threatening death, and all armed in a 
curious manner, some with unwieldy clubs, some 
with long spears, some with rusty knives, some 
with staves heated in the fire. 

They assailed the Knights fiercely, and made 
them recoil, but when Prince Arthur and Sir 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

Guyon charged again their strength began to fail, 
and they were unable to withstand them, for the 
champions atacked them with such might that they 
were forced to fly like sheep before the rush of a 
lion and a tiger. The Knights with their shining 
blades soon broke their rude ranks, and drove 
them into confusion, hewing and slashing at them; 
and now, when faced boldly, they found that they 
were nothing but idle shadows, for, though they 
seemed bodies, they had really no substance. 

When they had dispersed this troublesome 
rabble. Prince Arthur and Guyon came again to 
the castle gate, and begged entrance, where they 
had been refused before. The report of their 
danger and conflict having reached the ears of 
the lady who dwelt therein, she came out with a 
goodly train of squires and ladies to bid them 
welcome. 

The lady’s name was Alma. She was of won- 
drous beauty, in the very flower of her youth, yet 
full of goodness and modesty. She was clad in a 
robe of lily-white, reaching from her shoulders 
to the ground; the long, loose train, embroidered 
with gold and pearls, was carried by two fair 
damsels. Her golden hair was trimly arranged, 
and she wore no head-dress except a garland of 
sweet roses. 

She entertained the Knights nobly, and, when 
they had rested a little, they begged her, as a great 
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The Knight of Temperance 

favor, to show them over the castle. This she con- 
sented to do. 

First she led them up to the beautiful castle wall, 
which was so high that no foe could climb it. 
It was not built of brick, nor yet of stone, sand, nor 
mortar, but of clay. The pity was that such 
goodly workmanship could not last longer, for it 
must soon crumble away. 

Two gates were placed in this building. The 
one by which all passed in far excelled the other 
in workmanship. When it was locked, no one 
could enter, and when it was opened, no man could 
shut it. Within the barbican sat a porter, day and 
night keeping watch and ward; nobody could go in 
or out of the gate without strict scrutiny. He de- 
barred utterers of secrets, 'babblers of folly, and 
those who told tales of wrong-doing; when cause 
required it, his alarm-bell could be heard far and 
wide, but never without occasion. 

Round the porch on each side sat sixteen 
warders, all in bright array; tall yeomen they 
seemed, of great strength, and were ranged ready 
for fight. 

Alma then took the Knights over the rest of 
the castle, and showed them so many curious and 
beautiful things that their minds were filled with 
wonder, for they had never before seen so strange 
a sight. Presently she brought them back into a 
beautiful parlor, hung with rich tapestry, where 
169 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


sat a bevy of fair ladies, amusing themselves in 
different ways. Some sang, some laughed, sortie 
played with straws, some sat idly at ease; but 
others could not bear to play, for all amusement was 
an annoyance to them. This one frowned, that 
one yawned, a third blushed for shame, another 
seemed envious or shy, while another gnawed a 
rush and looked sullen. 

After that Alma took her guests up to a stately 
turret, in which two beacons gave light, and flamed 
continually, for they were most marvelously made 
of living fire, and set in silver sockets, covered 
with lids that could easily open and shut. 

In this turret there were many rooms and places, 
but three chief ones, in which dwelt three hon- 
orable sages, who counseled fair Alma how to 
govern well. The first of these could foresee things 
to come; the second could best advise on things 
present; the third kept things past in memory, so 
that no time or occasion could arise which one or 
other of them could not deal with. 

The first sat in the front of the house, so that 
nothing should hinder his coming to a conclusion 
quickly; he made up his mind in advance, with- 
out listening to reason; he had a keen foresight, 
and an active brain that was never idle and never 
rested. His room held a collection of the oddest 
and queerest things ever seen or imagined. It was 
filled, too, with flies, that buzzed all about, con- 
170 


The Knight of Temperance 


fusing men’s eyes and ears, with a sound like a 
swarm of bees. These were idle thoughts and 
fancies, dreams, visions, soothsayings, prophecies, 
and all kinds of false tales and lies. 

The second counselor was a much older man. 
He spent all his time meditating over things that 
had really happened, and in studying law, art, 
science, and philosophy, so that he had grown very 
wise indeed. 

The third counselor was a very aged man. His 
chamber seemed very ruinous and old, but the 
walls that upheld it were quite firm and strong, 
He was half blind, and looked feeble in body, 
but his mind was still vigorous. All things 
that had happened, however ancient they were, 
he faithfully recorded, so that nothing might be 
forgotten. 

The names of Alma’s three counselors were 
Imagination, Judgment, and Memory. 

XLbc IRocft of IRcproacb anO tbe Manbcrfng Ifolanbg 

The next morning, before it was light. Sir 
Guyon, clad in his bright armor, and accompanied 
by the Palmer in his black dress, started once more 
on his journey to find the wicked enchantress, 
Acrasia, and the Bower of Bliss. At the river 
shore they found a boatman, whom Alma had com- 
manded to be there with his well-rigged boat. 
They went on board, and he immediately launched 
171 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

his bark, and Lady Alma’s country was soon left 
far behind. 

For two days they sailed without even seeing 
land; but on the morning of the third day they 
heard, far away, a hideous roaring that filled them 
with terror; and when they saw the surges rage so 
high, they feared they would be drowned. 

Then said the boatman, ‘Talmer, steer aright, 
and keep an even course, for we must needs pass 
yonder way. That is the Gulf of Greediness, 
which swallows up all it can devour, and its waters 
are in constant turmoil.” 

On the other side stood a hideous rock of 
mighty magnet stone, whose craggy cliffs were 
dreadful to behold. Great jagged reefs projected 
into the water, and threatened death to all who 
came near. Yet voyagers were unable to keep 
away, for trying to escape the devouring jaws of 
the Gulf of Greediness, they were dashed to pieces 
on the rock. 

As they drew near this dreadful spot, the boat- 
man had to put forth all his strength and skill to row 
them past. On the one hand, they saw the horrible 
gulf, that looked as if it were sucking down the 
sea into itself; and on the other haivl, they saw the 
perilous rock, on whose snarp cliffs lay the ribs 
of many shattered vessels, together with the dead 
bodies of those who had recklessly flung them- 
selves to destruction. 


172 



then the 3Botenuin» ‘ipalnier, etcrc arlflbt, 
Bnb heepe an even courac; tot ronbet wag 
;iQlc ncebee muat paa ((3ob boc ua well acqulgbt).’ 




The Knight of Temperance 


The name of the rock was the “Rock of Re- 
proach.” It was a dangerous and hateful place, to 
which no fish nor fowl ever came, save screaming 
sea-gulls and cormorants, who sat waiting on the 
cliff to prey on the unhappy wretches whose ex- 
travagant and thriftless living had brought them 
to ruin. 

Sir Guyon and his companions passed by this 
dangerous spot in safety, and the boatman rowed 
them briskly over the dancing billows. 

At last, far off, they spied many islands floating 
on every side among the waves. Then said the 
Knight, “Lo, I see the land, so, Sir Palmer, direct 
your course to it.” 

“Not so,” said the boatman, “lest we unknow- 
ingly run into danger; for those same islands, 
which now and then appear, are not firm land, nor 
have they any certain abiding place; they are 
straggling plots, which move to and fro in the 
wide waters; wherefore they are called the ‘Wan- 
dering Islands,’ and are to be shunned, for they 
have drawn many a traveler into danger and dis- 
tress. Yet from afar, they seem very pleasant, 
fair, and fruitful, the ground spread with soft, green 
grass, and the tall trees covered with leaves, and 
decked with white and red blossoms that might 
well allure the voyager. But whoever once sets 
his foot on those islands can never escape, but 
evermore wanders, uncertain and unsure.” 

175 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

Sir Guyon and the Palmer listened to their 
pilot, as seemed fitting, and they passed on their 
way. 

“Now,” said the cautious boatman, when they 
had left behind them the Wandering Islands, “we 
must be careful to take good heed of our safety 
here, for a perilous passage lies before us. There 
is a great quicksand, and a whirlpool of hidden 
danger; therefore, Sir Palmer, keep a steady hand, 
for the narrow way lies between them.” 

Scarcely had he spoken, when near at hand they 
spied the quicksand; it was almost covered with 
water, but they knew it at once by the waves round 
it and the discolored sea. It was called the Quick- 
sand of Unthriftiness. 

Passing by, they vSaw a goodly ship, laden from 
far with precious merchandise, and as well fitted 
as a ship could be, which through misadventure or 
carelessness had run herself into danger. The 
mariners and merchants, with much toil, labored in 
vain to recover their prize and to save the rich 
wares from destruction, but neither toil nor trouble 
served to free her from the quicksand. 

On the other side, they saw the dangerous pool 
that was called the Whirlpool of Decay, in which 
many had haplessly sunk, of whom no memory re- 
mained. The circling waters whirled round, like 
a restless wheel, eager to draw the boat into the 
outer limit of the labyrinth, and to drown the 
176 


The Knight of Temperance 

travelers. But the heedful boatman rowed with 
all his might, so that they passed by in safety and 
left the dreaded danger behind. 

Suddenly they saw in the midst of the ocean the 
surging waters rise like a mountain, and the great 
sea puffed up, as though threatening to devour 
everything. The waves came rolling along, and 
the billows roared in fury, though there was not a 
breath of wind. At this Sir Guyon, the Palmer, 
and the boatman were greatly afraid, for they 
knew not what strange horror was approaching. 

Seas/lRonatere ant) Xant):s/lBon6tcr0 

Presently they saw a hideous crowd of huge 
sea-monsters, such as terrified any one to behold; 
every shape of ugliness and horror was there — 
water-snakes and whales, and sword-fish, and hip- 
popotamuses, and sharks, and every kind of sea- 
monster, and they came along in thousands, with 
a dreadful noise and a hollow, rumbling roar. No 
wonder the Knight was appalled, for, compared 
with these, all that is dreadful on earth was but a 
trifle. 

“Fear nothing,” then said the Palmer, “for these 
creatures that look like monsters are not so in 
reality; they are only disguised in these fearful 
shapes by the wicked enchantress to terrify us, and 
to prevent our continuing our journey.” 

Then, lifting up his magic staff, he smote the 
177 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


sea, which immediately became calm, and all the 
monsters fled to the bottom of the ocean. 

Free from that danger, the travelers kept on 
their way, and as they went, they heard a pitiful 
cry, as of some one wailing and weeping. At last, 
on an island, they saw a beautiful maiden, who 
seemed in great sorrow, and who kept calling to 
them for help. ' Directly Guyon heard her, he bade 
the Palmer steer straight to her rescue; but the 
latter, knowing better, said, “Fair sir, do not be 
displeased if I disobey you, for it would be a bad 
thing to listen to her, for really there is nothing the 
matter. It is only a trick to entrap you.’’ 

The Knight was guided by his advice, and the 
boatman held steadily on his course. 

The next temptation they had to face was of a 
different kind. They came to a lovely bay, shel- 
tered on the one side by a steep hill, and on the 
other by a high rock, so that between them was 
a still and pleasant haven. In this bay lived five 
mermaids, who could sing in the sweetest manner, 
but the only use they made of their skill in melody 
was to allure travelers, whom, when they had en- 
trapped, they killed. So now to Guyon as he 
passed, they began to sing sweet tunes, greeting 
him as the mightiest knight that had ever fought 
in battle, and bidding him to turn his rudder into 
the quiet bay, where his storm-beaten vessel might 
safely ride. 


178 


The Knight of Temperance 

“This is the port of rest from troublous toil/’ 
they sang; “the world’s sweet inn from pain and 
wearisome turmoil.” 

The rolling sea and the waves breaking on the 
rock mingled with their singing, and the wind 
whistled in harmony. The sound so delighted 
Guyon that he bade the boatman row slowly, to let 
him listen to their melody. But the Palmer wisely 
counseled him not to do this, and so they safely 
passed the danger, and soon saw, in the distance, 
the land for which they were bound. 

Then suddenly a thick fog came down upon 
them, hiding the Cheerful daylight, and making the 
whole world seem a confused mass. They were 
much dismayed at this, not knowing which way to 
steer in the darkness, and fearing that they would 
fall into some hidden danger. To add to their con- 
fusion, they were attacked by a flock of horrible 
birds, which flew screaming round them, beating at 
them with their wicked wings. Yet the travelers 
would not stay because of these, but went straight 
forward, the boatman rowing, while the Palmer 
kept a firm hand on the rudder, till at last the 
weather began to clear and the land showed plainly. 
Then the Palmer warned Sir Guyon to have his 
armor in readiness, for peril would soon assail 
him. 

The Knight obeyed, and when the boat reached 
the shore, he and the Palmer stepped out, fully 
179 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


armed, and carefully prepared against every 
danger. 

They had not gone far before they heard a hideous 
bellowing, and a pack of wild beasts rushed for- 
ward as if to devour them. But when they came 
near, the Palmer lifted up his wonderful staff, and 
immediately they were quelled, and shrank back 
trembling. 

Passing these. Sir Guyon and the Palmer soon 
came to the place which the Knight was seeking,, 
the object of his long and toilsome quest, the 
home of the wicked enchantress, the Bower of 
Bliss. 


tlbc 3B0WCC of :©H 00 

It was a lovely spot, adorned in the most perfect 
way to imitate nature. Everything sweet and 
pleasing, or that the daintiest fancy could devise, 
was gathered here in lavish profusion. A light 
fence enclosed it, and a rich ivory gate, wonder- 
fully carven, stood open to all those that came 
thither. 

. In the porch sat a tall, handsome porter, whose 
looks were so pleasant that he seemed to entice 
travelers to him, but it was only to deceive them 
to their ruin. He was the keeper of the garden, 
and his name was Pleasure. He was decked with 
flowers, and by his side was set a great bowl of 
wine, with which he pleased all new-comers. He 
i8o 


The Knight of Temperance 


offered it to Sir Guyon, but the latter refused his 
courtesy, and overthrew the bowl. 

Passing through the gate, they beheld a large 
and spacious plain, strewn on every side with de- 
lights. The ground was covered with green grass, 
and made beautiful with all kinds of lovely flowers; 
the skies were always bright, and the air soft and 
balmy; no storm or frost ever came to harm the 
tender blosoms; nor scorching heat or piercing 
cold to hurt those who dwelt therein. 

Guyon wondered much at the loveliness of that 
sweet place, yet would not suffer any of its de- 
lights to allure him, but passed straight through, 
still looking forward. Presently he came to a 
beautiful arbor, fashioned out of interlacing boughs 
and branches. This was arched over with a 
clustering vine, richly laden with bunches of lus- 
cious grapes, some deep purple like the hyacinth, 
some like rubies, laughing red, some like emeralds, 
not yet well ripened, and others of burnished gold. 
They almost broke down the branches with their 
weight, and seemed to offer themselves to be freely 
gathered by the passers-by. 

In the arbor sat a finely-dressed lady; she held 
in her left hand a golden cup, and with her right 
hand she gathered the ripe fruit, and pressed the 
juice of the grapes into the cup. It was her cus- 
tom to give a draught of this wine to every 
stranger that passed, but when she offered it to 
i8i 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

Guyon to taste, he took the cup out of her hand, 
and flung it to the ground, so that it was broken 
and the wine spilt. Excess, for that was the lady’s 
name, was very angry at this, but she could not 
withstand the Knight, and was obliged to let him 
pass, and he went on, heedless of her displeasure. 

Then before his eyes appeared a most lovely 
paradise, abounding in every sort of pleasure : 
rainbow-colored flowers, lofty trees, shady dells, 
breezy mountains, rustling groves, and crystal 
streams. It was impossible to tell which was art 
and which nature, they were so cunningly mingled ; 
both combined made greater the beauty of the other, 
and adorned this garden with an endless variety. 

In the midst of all stood a fountain made of the 
most precious materials on earth, so pure and 
bright that one could see the silver flood running 
through every channel. It was wrought all over 
with curious carving, and above all was spread a 
trail of ivy of the purest gold, colored like nature, 
so that any one who saw it would think it was real 
ivy. Numberless little streams continually welled 
out of this fountain, and formed a little lake, 
through the shallow water of which one could see 
the bottom, all paved with shining jasper. 

Then at last Sir Guyon and the Palmer drew 
near to the Bower of Bliss, so called by the foolish 
favorites of the wicked enchantress. 

“Now, sir, consider well,” said the Palmer, “for 
182 


The Knight of Temperance 

here is the end of all our travel. Here dwells 
Acrasia, whom we must surprise, or else she will slip 
away, and laugh at our attempt.’^’ 

Soon they heard the most lovely melody, such 
as might never be heard on mortal ground. It was 
almost impossible to say what kind of music it 
was, for all that is pleasing to the ear there joined 
in harmony — the joyous singing of birds, angelic 
voices, silver-sounding instruments, murmuring 
waters, and the whispering wind ; and through it all 
they heard the singing of one voice, sweeter than 
all the others. 

But in spite of the lovely music heard on every 
side. Sir Guyon and the Palmer never left their 
path; they kept on through many groves and 
tliickets, till at last they came in sight of the wicked 
enchantress herself. She lay, half-sleeping, on a 
bed of roses, clad in a veil of silk and silver; all 
around were many fair ladies and boys singing 
sweetly. Not far ofif was her last victim, a gallant- 
looking youth, over whom she had cast an evil 
spell. His brave sword and armor hung idly on a 
tree, and he lay sunk in a heavy slumber, forgetful 
of all the noble deeds in which he had once de- 
lighted. 

Sir Guyon and the Palmer cautiously drew near, 
then suddenly rushed forward, and flung over 
Acrasia a net which the skilful Palmer had made 
for the occasion. All her attendants immediatelv 

183 


The Story of the Faerie Qiieene 


fled in terror. Acrasia tried all her arts and crafty 
wiles to set herself free, but in vain ; the net was so 
cunningly woven that neither guile nor force could 
disentangle her. 



Then Sir Guyon broke down without pity all the 
pleasant bowers, and the stately palace, and 
trampled down the gardens, and burnt the ban- 
184 


The Knight of Temperance 

queting-hall, so that nothing was left of the beau 
tiful place to tempt other people to ruin. 

As for Acrasia, they led her away captive, bound 
with adamantine chains, for nothing else would 
keep her safe; and when they came back to the 
place where they had met the wild beasts, these 
again flew fiercely at them, as if they would rescue 
their mistress. But the Palmer soon pacified 
them. 

Then Guyon asked what was the meaning of 
these beasts that lived there. 

“These seeming beasts are really men whom the 
enchantress has thus transformed,’’ replied the 
Palmer. “Now they are turned into these 
hideous figures, in accordatice with their bad and 
ugly minds.” 

“A sad end of an ignoble life, and a mournful 
result of excess in pleasure,” said the Knight. 
“But, Palmer, if it may so please you, let them be 
returned to their former state.” 

So the Palmer struck them with his staff, and 
immediately they were turned into men. Very 
queer and ill at ease they looked. Some were in- 
wardly ashamed, and some were angry to see the 
Lady Acrasia a captive. But one in particular, 
who had lately been a hog. Grill by name, loudly 
lamented, and abused the Knight for bringing him 
back from the shape of a hog into that of a man. 

Then said Guyon, “See how low a man can sink, 

.185 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


to forget so soon the excellence in which he was 
created, and to choose rather to be a beast without 
intelligence I” 

“Worthless men delight in base things,’' said 
the Palmer. “Let Grill be Grill, and have his 
hoggish mind. But let us depart hence, while 
wind and weather serve.” 

So Sir Guyon, having overthrown the power of 
the wicked enchantress, went back to the house 
of Alma, where he had left Prince Arthur. The 
captive Acrasia he sent under a strong guard to the 
court of the Faerie Queene, to be presented to 
Queen Gloriana as a proof that he had ac- 
complished his hard task; but he himself traveled 
forth with Prince Arthur, to make further trial of 
his strength and to seek fresh adventures. 


186 


BOOK III 


XTbe XcGcnb of IBritomart 

?How Sir (5ui2on /iBct a Cbampion /Ibiabtier (Tban 
Kimsclf 

A fter the capture of the wicked enchantress 
Acrasia, Prince Arthur and Sir Guyon 
traveled long and far together in all sorts 
of dangerous places. They met with many 
perilous adventures, which won them great glory 
and honor, for their aim was always to relieve the 
weak and oppressed, and to recover right for those 
who had suffered wrong. 

At last one day, as they rode across an open 
plain, they saw a Knight spurring toward them. 
An aged squire rode beside him, and on the 
Knight’s shield was emblazoned a lion on a golden 
field. 

When they saw him. Sir Guyon begged Prince 
Arthur to let him be the one to face the attack, 
and the Prince agreeing, Guyon leveled his spear 
and galloped toward the Knight. They met with 
such fury that the stranger reeled in his saddle, 
and Guyon himself, before he was aware, was 
hurled from his horse. 


i8; 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

His fall filled him with shame and sorrow, for 
never since he bore arms had such a disgrace hap- 
pened to him. He need not, however, have been 
so grieved, for it was no fault of his own that he 
was dismounted. The spear that brought him to 
the ground was enchanted, and no one could resist it. 

But Guyon would have felt far more sorry and 
ashamed had he known that the Knight who over- 
threw him was in reality a maiden. The stranger 
was no other than the famous Princess Britomart, 
daughter of Ryence, King of South Wales. She 
was roaming the world in search of Artegall, the 
champion Knight of Justice, whose image she had 
once beheld in a magic mirror given by the magi- 
cian Merlin to her father. So grand and noble 
was the image of this splendid Knight that Brito- 
mart felt she could never rest until she had seen 
him in reality. She dressed herself in the armor 
of a knight, and her old nurse, Glauce, disguised her- 
self as her squire, and together the two left the 
court of King Ryence and wandered through 
the world in search of Sir Artegall. 

Sir Guyon, full of anger at his fall, and eager to 
revenge himself, rose hastily, drew his sword, and 
rushed at the foe; but his attendant, the Black 
Palmer, who had been his faithful companion and 
guide in all his 'former adventures, implored his 
master not to rush into fresh danger. By his 
great wisdom he could tell that Britomart’s spear 
i8B 


The Legend of Britomart 

was enchanted, and that no mortal power could 
withstand it. 

Prince Arthur joined his entreaties to the Pal- 
mer's, and they both spoke so wisely that Guyon's 
anger melted away. Britomart and he became 
reconciled, and swore a firm friendship. In those 
days, when knights fought together, it was often 
not in malice, but only to test their strength and 
manliness. The one who conquered won much 
renown, but the vanquished felt no spite nor envy. 

So Britomart, Prince Arthur, and Sir Guyon 
then traveled on in the most friendly fashion, seek- 
ing further adventures. For some time nothing 
happened, but at length they came to a wide forest, 
which seemed very horrible and dreary. They 
rode a long way through this, but found no track 
of living creature, except of bears, lions, and bulls, 
which roamed all around. Suddenly, out of the 
thickest part of the wood, something rushed past 
them. 

IHow JBdtomart 3fou0bt TlClltb Six IkniQbta 

The creature that rushed from the wood, across 
the path of Britomart, Sir Guyon, and Prince 
Arthur, was a milk-white pony. On its back was a 
lovely lady, whose face shone as clear as crystal, 
though it was now white with fear. Her garments 
were all worked with beaten gold, and the trap- 
pings of her steed were covered with glittering 
189 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

embroidery. The pony fled so fast that nothing 
could hold it, and they could scarcely see the lady. 
She kept casting backward glances, as if she feared 
some evil pursued her, and her bright yellow hair 
flew out far behind in the wind like the trail of a 
blazing comet. 

The name of the lady was Florimell. 

As the Knights stood gazing after her, there 
rushed from the same thicket a rough, clownish 
woodman, fiercely urging on his tired horse 
through thick and thin, over bank and bush, 
hoping by some means to get hold of Florimell. 
He was a huge, cruel-looking fellow, and in his 
hand he carried a sharp boar-spear. 

Directly Prince Arthur and Sir Guyon saw this 
they stayed not a moment to see which would be 
first, but both spurred after as fast as they could 
to rescue the lady from the villain. 

Britomart waited some time to see if they would 
return, but finding they did not come back she 
again set forward on her journey with steadfast 
courage. She intended no evil, nor did she fear 
any. 

At last, when she had nearly reached the edge of 
the wood, she spied far away a stately castle, to 
which she immediately directed her steps. This 
castle was a fine building, placed for pleasure near 
the edge of the forest, but in front of the gate 
stretched a wide, green plain. 

190 



“:*Sut fatrc before tbe gate a spatloua plagnc 
/r>antleb with ^reeite, it sclfe olO spreOben vo^bc. 

©n wbicb abe saw stj bniflbts, that bib barra^nc 
^ficts battail against one wttb auel mlabt anb ma^ne/’ 


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The Legend of Britomart 

On this plain Britomart saw six knights, who 
were all engaged in cruel battle against one 
Knight. They attacked him with great violence 
all at the same time, and sorely beset him on every 
side, so that he was nearly breathless; but nothing 
could dismay him, and he never yielded a foot of 
ground, although he was sorely wounded. He 
dealt his blows stoutly, and whichever way he 
turned he made his enemies recoil, so that not one 
of all the six dared face him alone. Like cowardly 
curs having some savage creature at bay, they ran 
about here and there to snatch a bite at their 
prey whenever his back was turned. 

When Britomart saw this gallant Knight in such 
distress and danger, she ran quickly to his rescue, 
and called to the six others to cease their attack 
on a single enemy. They paid no attention, but 
rather increased their spiteful fury, till Britomart, 
rushing through the thickest crowd, broke up 
their band, and compelled them, by force, to listen 
to peace. Then she began mildly to inquire the 
cause of their dispute and outrageous anger. 

Thereupon the single Knight answered, “These 
six tried by force to make me give up my own 
dear lady and love another. I would rather die 
than do such a thing. For I love one lady, the 
truest one on earth, and I have no desire to change. 
For her dear sake I have endured many a bitter 
peril and met with many a wound.’^ 

193 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

‘‘Then, certainly, you six are to blame,” said 
Britomart, “for it would be a great shame for a 
knight to leave his faithful lady; it would be better 
to die. You cannot compel love by force.” 

Then spoke one of the six. “There dwells 
•within this castle a fair lady whose beauty has no 
living rival. She has ordained this law, which we 
approve — that every knight who comes this way, 
and has no lady of his own, shall enter her service, 
never to leave it. But if he has already a lady 
whom he loves, then he must give her up, or else 
fight with us to prove that she is fairer than our 
lady.” 

“Truly,” said Britomart, “the choice is hard. 
But, suppose the knight overcame, what reward 
would he receive?” 

“He would be advanced to high honor, and win 
the hand of our lady,” was the answer. ‘‘There- 
fore, sir, if you love any one — ” 

“I certainly will not give up my love, nor will I 
do service to your lady,” replied Britomart. “But 
I will revenge the wrong you have done to this 
Knight.” 

Then she rode at the six with her enchanted 
spear, and overthrew three of them before they 
were well aware of it. The fourth was dismaved 
by the Knight to whose rescue she had come, and 
the two others gave in before she touched them. 

“Too well we see our own weakness and your 
194 


The Legend of Britomart 


matchless power,” they said. “Henceforth, fair 
sir, according to her own law, the lady is yours, 
and we plight our loyalty to you as liegemen.” 

So they threw their swords under Britomart’s 
feet, and afterward besought her to enter into the 
castle, and reap the reward of her victory. 

Britomart consenting, they all went in together. 

1bo\v it jFarcD Mitb JSritomart in Caetle 5osou0 

The stately mansion into which Britomart and 
the rescued Knight now entered was called Castle 
Joyous, and the owner of it was known to her 
retainers by the name of the Lady of Delight. It 
would be impossible to tell all the wonderful rich- 
ness and beauty of this ■ building, which was 
adorned fit for the palace of a prince. 

Passing through a lofty and spacious chamber, 
every pillar of which was pure gold, set with pearls 
and precious stones, the knights came to an inner 
room hung with the most costly tapestry. The 
place was filled with sweet music and the singing 
of birds, but the wasteful luxury they saw on every 
side did not please Britomart nor the Knight, and 
they looked with a scornful eye on such lavish 
profusion. 

When they came into the presence of the Lady 
of the castle, they found her seated on a splendid 
couch, glittering with gold and embroidery. She 
seemed very generous and of rare beauty, but she 

195 


The Story of the Faerie Oueene 


was neither gentle nor modest, and she never 
hesitated to gratify her own desires at any cost. 

When she saw Britomart, who, in her armor, 
appeared to be a young and handsome knight, she 
admired her, and wished that she would enter her 
service, and stay henceforth at the castle. All 
through the splendid supper which was presently 
served, she tried to make herself agreeable, hoping 
that Britomart would be tempted to remain. 
After supper, she begged her to lay aside her 
armor, and enjoy some sport; but this the maiden 
refused to do, for she wore it as a disguise. Brito- 
mart would not be so discourteous as to repulse 
the kindly spoken offers of goodwill, but she in 
her heart thought that such a sudden aft'ection for 
a wandering guest could not be of great value. 

When the supper was ended, all the knights, 
squires, and dames began to make merry. There 
was dancing and merry-making, and every kind of 
revelry; but through it all Malecasta, which was 
the real name of the Lady of Delight, was plotting 
in her own mind how she could get hold of Brito- 
mart. If the gallant young Knight, as she thought 
him, would not remain of his own free will, she 
determined to detain him by guile. 

So that night, when Britomart had taken off her 
armor and was fast asleep, Malecasta went to her 
room. Britomart sprang up in a great fright, and 
ran to seize her weapon: but Malecasta shrieked 
196 



** JBut one of tbc^e eiic, bnigbts, (BarOantc' blflbt, 
Drew out a oeabls bow anb arrow beene, 
tuaWcb forth be 6ent» with felonouo beepiflbt 
anb fell Intent, against tbe virgin sbeene/' 



I 



The Legend of Britomart 


for her six knights, and they all came rushing in, 
armed and half-armed. When they saw Brito- 
mart, with her sword drawn, they were afraid to go 
near her; but one of them drew a deadly bow, and 
shot a keen arrow at her, which wounded her in the 
side. But the noise had also wakened the other 
Knight, who now ran to her help, and, fighting 
together side by side, they soon defeated their 
foes. 

When they were all put to shameful flight, 
Britomart arayed herself again in her armor, for 
she would stay no longer in a place where such 
things were done by those who were apparently 
noble knights and ladies. Quite early, therefore, 
while the dawn was still gray, she and her com- 
panion-knight took their steeds and went forth 
upon their journey. 

l)ow JSdtomart XoofteD into tbe /Ragic fl^irror 

As Britomart and the Knight journeyed away 
from Castle Joyous, it came into the Knight’s 
mind to ask the Princess what had brought her 
into that part of the country, and why she dis- 
guised herself thus: for she seemed a beautiful 
lady when she was dressed as one, but the hand- 
somest knight alive when she was clad in armor. 

‘Tair sir,” replied Britomart, “I would have you 
know that from the hour when I left my nurse’s 
arms, I have been trained up in warlike ways, to 
199 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


toss spear and shield, and to meet and overthrow 
warrior knights. I loathe to lead the life of 
pleasure that most ladies do, fingering fine needle 
and fancy thread; I would rather die at the point 
of the foeman's spear. All my delight is set on 
deeds of arms, to hunt out perils and adventures 
wherever they may be met by sea or land, not for 
riches nor for reward, but only for glory and honor. 
For this reason, I came into these parts, far from 
my native country, without map or compass, to 
seek for praise and fame. 

“For report has blazed forth that here, in the 
land of the Faerie Queene, many famous knights 
and ladies dwell, and many strange adventures can 
be found, out of which much glory may be 
won; and to prove this, I have begun this voyage. 
But may I ask of you, courteous Knight, tidings of 
one who has behaved very badly to me, and on 
whom I am seeking to revenge myself? He is 
called Artegall.” 

Britomart did not mean what she said of Arte- 
gall; she only spoke in this manner to conceal her 
real feelings. As soon as the words were uttered 
she repented, and would have recalled them, but 
her companion answered almost before she had 
finished speaking. He said she was very wrong to 
upbraid so scornfully a gentle Knight, for of all 
who ever rode at tilt or tourney, the noble Artegall 
was the most renowned. It would be very strange, 
200 


The Legend of Britomart 


therefore, if any shameful thought ever entered his 
mind, or if he did any deed deserving of blame, for 
noble courage does nothing unworthy of itself. 

Britomart was wonderfully glad to hear her love 
thus highly praised, and rejoiced that she had given 
her heart to one so gallant; but in order to lead 
the Knight to speak further in the same style, she 
still pretended to find fault with Artegall, and 
asked where he might be found, because she 
wanted to fight with him. 

“Ah, if only reason could persuade you to soften 
your anger !” said the Knight. “It is a bold thing 
to imagine you can bind a man like this down to 
hard conditions, or to hope to match in equal 
fight one whose prowess has no living rival. Be- 
sides, it is not at all easy to tell where or how he 
can be found, for he never dwells in any settled 
spot, but roams all over the world, always doing 
noble deeds, defending the rightful cause of women 
and orphans, whenever he hears they are oppressed 
by might or tyranny. Thus he wins the highest 
honor.” 

These words sank into Britomart’s heart, and 
filled her with rapture; but she would not let her 
companion see it. 

“Since it is so difficult to find Sir Artegall,” she 
said, “tell me some marks by which he may be 
known, should I happen to meet him by chance. 
What is he like? What is his shield, his arms, his 


201 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

steed, and anything else that may distinguish 
him?” 

The Knight set himself to point out all these, 
and described Sir Artegall in every particular. 

But Britomart knew already exactly what Sir Ar- 
tegall was like ; and this is how she came to know it : 

Long ago in Britain she had seen his image 
plainly revealed in a magic mirror, and ever since 
then she had loved no one else. 

For in the days when her father. King Ryence, 
reigned over South Wales, Merlin, the great 
magician, had by his spells devised a wonderful 
looking-glass, the fame of which soon spread 
through all the world. 

This mirror had the power of showing perfectly 
whatever thing the world contained, between 
heaven and earth, provided it had to do with the 
person who looked into it. Whatever a foe had 
done, or a friend had feigned, was revealed in this 
mirror, and it was impossible to keep anything 
secret from it. 

The mirror was round and hollow, and seemed 
like a great globe of glass. Merlin gave it to King 
Ryence as a safeguard, so that if foes ever invaded 
his kingdom, he would always know it at home 
before he heard tidings, and thus be able to pre- 
vent them. A present which could thus detect 
treason and overthrow enemies, was a priceless 
one for a prince. 


202 


The Legend of Britomart 


One day Britomart happened to go into her 
father’s private room. Nothing was kept hidden 
from her, for she was his only daughter, and his 
heiress. When she spied the mirror, she first 
looked in to see herself, but in vain. Then, re- 
membering the strange power it was said to pos- 
sess, she tried to think of some interesting thing 
that concerned herself, and thus she wondered 
what husband fortune would allot to her. 

Immediately there was presented to her eyes 
the picture of a gallant Knight, clad in complete 
armor. His face, under the uplifted visor of the 
helmet, shone forth like the sun, to terrify his 
foes and make glad his friends. His heroic grace 
and noble bearing added to the grandeur of his 
figure. 

His crest was a crouching hound, and all his 
armor seemed of an antique fashion, but was won- 
derfully massive and stout, and fretted all round 
with gold. Written on it in ancient lettering were 
the words — 

'^ACHILLES’ ARMS, WHICH ARTEGALL DID WIN'' 

On his shield he bore the device of a little crowned 
ermine on an azure field. 

Britomart looked long at the figure of this 
Knight, and liked it well, and then went on her 
way, never dreaming that her future fate lay hid- 
den at the bottom of this globe of glass. 

203 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


Ibow :fl3dtomart Mcnt to tbe Cave ot tbe /ibaflician 
/iberlin 

After Britomart had seen the figure of Sir 
Artegall in the magic mirror, a strange thing hap- 
pened. She grew pale and ill, and lost all her 
merry spirits, and she no longer cared to do any of 
the things in which she had formerly delighted.- 
At night, instead of sleeping, she tossed about, and 
sighed and wept; or if she did close her eyes for a 
few minutes, it was only to dream of dreadful 
things, and to start awake again suddenly, with 
cries of terror. 

Her old nurse, Glauce, was much distressed to 
see such a sad change in her dear young mistress, 
and one night when Britomart had been more rest- 
less than usual, she begged her to say what was 
troubling her, and if she were secretly fretting over 
anything. 

Then Britomart told Glauce of the splendid 
Knight she had seen in the magic mirror, and how 
she longed to see him again. If it were some 
living person, there might have been some hope 
for her, but now there was none, for it was only 
the shade or semblance of a knight. So grand and 
noble was the appearance of Artegall that Brito- 
mart’s heart ached with sorrow to think she should 
never see him in real life. 

Glauce tried to comfort her, and spoke cheer- 
204 


The Legend of Britomart 

fully, but at first Britomart would not be consoled, 
for she did not see how things could ever be better 
for her. It was very foolish of her, she owned, to 
love only a shadow, but she knew the remembrance 
of Sir Artegall would never fade as long as life 
lasted, and she felt that death only could put an 
end to her grief. 

“Well,” said the faithful old nurse, “if it is a 
choice between death and seeing him, I swear to 
you by right or wrong to discover that Knight.” 

Her cheerful words quite soothed Britomart's 
sad heart, and she lay down again in bed, and fell 
into a little sleep. As for Glauce, she turned the 
lamp low, and sat by the bedside to watch and weep 
over her dear young lady. 

After that Glauce tried every way she could 
think of to cure Britomart’s grief; but neither 
medicine nor charms nor good advice did her 
any good, and the nurse began to fear the King 
would be very angry with her when he heard what 
had happened to his dear daughter. 

At last she thought that he who made the mir- 
ror in which Britomart had seen the strange vision 
of the Knight, would surely be able to tell where 
the real man could be found. Disguising them- 
selves, therefore, in poor clothes, so that no one 
would know who they were, she and Britomart 
took their way to the place where the great magi- 
cian, Merlin, had his dwelling, low underneath the 
205 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


ground, in a deep dell, far from the light of day. 
It was a hideous, hollow cave, under a rock that 
lay near a swift river foaming down the woody 
hills. 

Arrived here, Glance and Britomart at first 
loitered about outside, afraid to go into the cave, 
and beginning to doubt whether they had done 
well to come. The brave maiden, with love to be- 
friend her, was the first to enter, and there she 
found the magician deep in some work of wonder, 
busily writing strange characters on the ground. 

Merlin was not in the least surprised at their 
bold visit, for he knew of their coming; but he bade 
them unfold their business — as though anything in 
the world were hidden from him ! 

Then Glance told him that for the last three 
months some strange malady had taken hold of the 
young maiden; what it was, or whence it sprang, 
she knew not, but this she knew, that if a remedy 
were not found, she would soon see her dead. 
Merlin began to smile softly at Glance’s smooth 
speeches, for he knew quite well that she was 
not telling him the whole truth, and he said, 
‘‘By what you say, your young lady has more need 
of a doctor than of my skill. He who can get help 
elsewhere, seeks in vain wonders from magic.” 

Glance was rather taken aback at hearing these 
words, and yet she was unwilling to let her purpose 
appear plainly. 


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The Legend of Britomart 


“If any doctor’s skill could have cured my dear 
daughter,” she said, “I should certainly not have 
wished to trouble you; but this sad illness which 
has seized her is far beyond natural causes.” 

The wizard could stand no more of this, but 
burst out laughing, and said, “Glauce, what need 
is there for these excuses to cover the cause which 
has already betrayed itself? And you, fair Brito- 
mart, although dressed in these poor clothes, are 
no more hidden than the sun in a veil of clouds. 
You have done well to come to me for help, for I 
can give it you.” 

Britomart was quite abashed at finding herself 
discovered, and grew very red; but the old nurse 
was not in the least discomfited. 

“Since you know all our grief,” she said to Mer- 
lin, “I pray you to pity our trouble, and grant us 
relief.” 

Merlin reflected for a few minutes. Then he 
spoke to Britomart, and told her many things that 
would happen in the future. He bade her not be 
in the least troubled, for all would end well, and it 
was no misfortune for her to love the most power- 
ful knight that had ever lived. 

The man whom she had seen in the magic mir- 
ror was Sir Artegall, the champion Knight of 
Justice, and he dwelt in the land of the Faerie 
Queene. He was a mighty warrior, and would 
fight many battles for his native country, in which 
209 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


Britomart would aid him. He would win again 
for himself the crown that was his father’s by right, 
and he would reign with great happiness. His 
son would succeed him, and after him would come 
a long race of kings. 

When Britomart and her old nurse, Glauce, 
had heard all they wanted to know, they both felt 
very glad and hopeful, and they returned home 
with much lighter hearts than when they had set 
out. 


1bovv Britomart Set 3Fortb on Iber (Slweet 

Britomart and her old nurse, Glauce, now took 
counsel together as to the best means of finding 
Sir Artegall. They thought of one plan after 
another, and at last the nurse hit upon a bold de- 
vice. She suggested to Britomart that, as the 
whole country was now disturbed by war, they 
should disguise themselves in armor and go in 
search of the Knight. It would be easy for Brito- 
mart to do this, for she was tall and strong, and 
needed nothing but a little practice to render her 
skilful in the use of spear and sword. 

“Truly,” said Glauce, “it ought to fire your 
courage to hear the poets sing of all the brave 
women who have come from the royal house to 
which you belong.” 

She went on to name a long list of noble 
Princesses who had fought gallantly against their 
210 


The Legend of Britomart 


country’s enemies, and bade Britomart follow their 
example and be equally courageous. 

Her stirring words. sank deep into the heart of 
the maiden, and immediately filled her with 
courage, and made her long to do brave deeds. 
She resolved to go forth as an adventurous knight, 
and bade Glauce put all things at once in readi- 
ness. 

It happened, fortunately for them, that only a 
few days before a band of Britons riding on a 
foray had taken some rich spoil from the enemy. 
Among this was a splendid suit of armor which had 
belonged to the Saxon Queen, Angela. It was all 
fretted with gold, and very beautiful. This, with 
the other ornaments. King Ryence had caused to 
be hung in his chief church, as a lasting memorial 
of his victory. Glauce, remembering this, led 
Britomart there late one evening, and, taking down 
the armor, dressed her in it. Beside the arms 
stood a mighty spear, which had been made by 
magic; no living person could sit so firmly in the 
saddle but it could hurl him to the ground. Brito- 
mart took this spear, and also a shield which hung 
near. 

When Glauce had dressed the maiden she took 
another suit of armor, and put it on herself, so that 
she could go forth with her young mistress and 
attend her carefully as her squire. Then they 
lightly mounted their horses, which were ready for 
211 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


them, and rode away in the darkness of night, so 
that none should see them. 

They never rested till they reached the land of 
the Faerie Queene, as Merlin had directed them. 
There they met with the Knight from Queen 
Gloriana’s court, as we have already seen, with 
whom they had much pleasant conversation, but 
especially about the gallant Sir Artegall. When 
they came at last to the place where they had to 
part, the Knight and Britomart, who greatly ad- 
mired each other, promised always to remain true 
friends, and Britomart then rode on with Glance 
in search of Sir Artegall. 

What her companion had told her about Arte- 
gall made her long all the more to see him, and 
she fashioned in her mind a thousand thoughts as 
to what he would be like, picturing him in her 
fancy everything that was noble and lovable — 
wise, warlike, handsome, courteous, and kind. 
But these thoughts, instead of soothing her sor- 
row, only made it worse, till it seemed that nothing 
but death could drive away the pain. So she rode 
forth, restless and unrefreshed, searching all lands, 
and every remotest part, with nothing but her love 
to guide her. 


212 


The Legend of Britomart 


t)Ovv JBcitomart Came to tbe Castle of tbe Cburl 
/Hbalbecco 

One night, as Britomart was riding on her way, 
a fearful storm came on, with great blasts of wind 
and a pelting shower of rain. Seeing a castle in 
front of her she went up to it, and earnestly begged 
to be admitted. But the castle belonged to a 
miserly churl, called Malbecco, who, because of 
his jealous and peevish disposition, refused to allow 
any strangers to enter his doors. He cared 
nothing for what men said of him, good or bad; all 
his mind was set upon hoarding up heaps of ill- 
gotten gain. He was old and ugly, and lacking 
in all kindness and courtesy. Instead of opening 
his doors to all wandering knights, as was the cus- 
tom of the time, he kept them close-barred, and 
even in the midst of the terrible tempest which was 
then raging, Britomart was sternly refused en- 
trance. She was greatly displeased at this, and 
determined when the time came to punish the churl 
for his discourtesy. 

But, in order to escape the fury of the gale, she 
was compelled to seek some refuge near. Beside 
the castle gate was a little shed, meant for swine, 
but when she tried to enter it she found it already 
full of guests. Another party of knights had been 
refused admittance to the castle, and were forced 
to fly there for shelter. These would not at first 
213 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


allow Britomart to enter, whereupon she became 
very ahgry, and declared she would either lodge 
with them in a friendly fashion, or she would turn 
them all out of the shed, whether they were willing 
or not, and then she challenged them to come 
forth and fight. 

The knights would now have been willing to let 
her come in, but her boastful tone irritated them. 
One of them, Paridell by name, was especially 
annoyed, and hastily mounting his steed he rode 
forth to fight with her. Their spears met with 
such fury that both man and horse were borne to 
the ground, and Paridell was so sorely bruised that 
he could scarcely arise to continue the combat on 
foot, with swords, as was the custom. 

But his companion. Sir Satyrane, the good 
Knight who had formerly befriended Una in the 
forest, stepped forward to prevent Britomart and 
Paridell from fighting further, and his wise 
speeches soon soothed their anger. When peace 
was restored, they agreed to join together to 
punish the unmannerly churl, who had acted so 
ungraciously in refusing them shelter from the 
tempest, and they went toward the gates to burn 
them down. 

Malbecco, seeing that they were really resolved 
to set fire to the building, ran frantically and called 
to them from the castle wall, beseeching them 
hum.bly to have patience with him, as being igno- 
214 


The Legend of Britomart 


rant of his servants’ rudeness and inattention to 
strangers. The knights were willing to accept his 
excuses, though they did not believe them, and 
they did not refuse to enter. 



They were brought into a beautiful bower, and 
served with everything needful, though their host 
secretly scowled at them, and received them more 
through fear than charity. They took off their 

215 



The Story of the Faerie Queene 

wet garments, and undid their heavy armor. 
Britomart, like the rest, was forced to disarray her- 
self. When she lifted her helmet, and her golden 
locks fell like a cloud of light to the ground, they 
were all amazed to find the valiant stranger was a 
beautiful maiden. They stood gazing at her, silent 
with astonishment, for eye had never seen a fairer 
woman, but they marveled chiefly at her chivalry 
and noble daring. They longed to know who she 
might be, yet no one questioned her. 

Supper was then served, and when the meal was 
over the Lady Hellenore, wife of Malbecco, in- 
vited all the knights to tell their name and kindred, 
and any deeds of arms they had done. They 
talked so long about their various strange ad- 
ventures, and the daring feats and many dangers 
through which they had passed, that old Malbecco 
grew quite impatient. He took no interest in 
conversation of this kind. At last, when the night 
was half spent, he persuaded them to go to rest; 
so they all retired to the rooms prepared for them. 

The next day, as soon as the sun shone in the 
sky, Britomart arose and set forth on her journey. 
Sir Satyrane went with her, but Paridell pretended 
to have been so much hurt by his fight with Brito- 
mart that he must stay behind at the castle till his 
wounds were healed. 


216 


The Legend of Britomarl 


How ffiritomatt TWlalfteO JTbtougb ffirc 

Britomart and Sir Satyrane had not long left 
the castle of the churl Malbecco when they saw in 
front of them a huge giant chasing a young man. 
Filled with anger, Britomart immediately galloped 
to the rescue, and Sir Satyrane followed close be- 
hind. Seeing them approach, the giant quickly 
resigned his prey, and fled to save himself. He 
ran so fast that neither of them could overtake him, 
and presently he came to a great forest, where he 
hid himself. It was not Sir Satyrane he feared so 
much as Britomart, for some instinct told him that 
his evil nature would be powerless to fight against 
any one so good. 

Britomart and Sir Satyrane entered the wood, 
and searched everywhere for the giant, and, each 
going a different way, they were soon separated. 
Britomart went deep into the forest, and at last 
came to a fountain by which lay a Knight. He 
had tossed aside his coat and mail, his helmet, his 
spear, and his shield, and had flung himself face 
downward on the grass. At first Britomart would 
not disturb him, for she thought him asleep, but, 
while she stood looking at him, she presently heard 
him sob and sigh as if his heart would break. 

Filled with pity, Britomart begged him to tell 
her what was the matter, as she might be able to 
help him. The Knight, whose name was Scuda- 
217 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

mour, did not think this at all likely, and would 
scarcely speak, but, after some further gentle 
words from Britomart, he told her that he was in 
such deep sorrow because the lady he loved had 
been seized by a wicked enchanter called Busirane, 
and shut up in a horrible dungeon, from which no 
living power could release her. The enchanter 
had done this because he wanted to marry her him- 
self; and when she refused, and declared she would 
never forsake her own true Knight, he had taken 
this cruel revenge. 

Then Britomart bade him take courage, for she 
would either deliver the Lady Amoretta from her 
dungeon, or she would die with her. 

“Ah, gentlest Knight alive,” cried Scudamour, 
“how brave and good you are! But keep your 
happy days and use them to better purpose. Let 
me die that ought. One is enought to die.” 

“A life by which may be bought an endless re- 
nown should not so lightly be lost,” said Britomart. 

Thus she persuaded Sir Scudamour to rise and 
go with her to see what success would befall him 
in this fresh attempt. She gathered up his armor, 
which he had flung away in despair, and helped him 
to put it on, and she brought thither his steed, 
which had wandered some distance away. 

Then they went forth together, and soon arrived 
at the place where their venture was to be 
made. There they dismounted, drew their 
218 ‘ 



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The Legend of Britomart 


weapons, and boldly marched up to the castle. 
Here they found no gate to bar their passage, nor 
any warder, but in the porch was a huge flaming 
fire, mixed with smoke and sulphur, which choked 
the entrance, and forced them to go back. 

Britomart was dismayed at this, and did not 
know what to do, for it seemed useless to attempt 
to brave the fire, which prevented any one going 
near. Turning back to Scudamour, she asked 
what course it would be safest to take, and how 
they should get at their foe to fight him. 

“This is the reason why I said to you at first the 
quest was hopeless,” replied Scudamour, “for this 
fire cannot be quenched either by strength or 
cunning, nor can it be moved away, so mighty are 
the enchantments that keep it here. What else is 
to be done but to stop this useless labor, and leave 
me to my former despair? The Lady Amoretta 
must stay in her wicked chains, and Scudamour die 
here with sorrowing.” 

“No, indeed,” said Britomart, “for it would be a 
shameful thing to abandon a noble enterprise at the 
mere sight of peril, without even venturing. 
Rather let us try the last chance than give up our 
purpose out of fear.” 

So saying, she threw her shield in front of her 
face, and holding the point of her sword straight 
in front of her, she advanced to the fire. The 
flames immediately gave way, and parted on either 
221 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


side, so that she walked through without hind- 
rance. 

When Scudamour saw Britomart safe and un- 
touched on the other side of the fire, he also tried 
to pass, and bade the flames make way for him; 
but the fire would not obey his threatening com- 
mand, and only raged the more fiercely, forcing 
him to retire all scorched and painfully burnt. 
Furious at his failure, more even that at the pain 
of his burns, he flung himself down on the grass, 
but Britomart had now passed the first door and 
entered the castle. 

The first room she came to was splendid to see, 
for it was all hung round with rich tapestry, woven 
with gold and silk. Beautiful pictures, represent- 
ing well-known fables and stories, were worked in 
the tapestry, and at the upper end of the room was 
a great image which the people of the house were 
accustomed to worship. This image was made of 
massive gold, and had wings that shone with all 
the colors of the rainbow. It was blindfolded, and 
held in its hand a bow and arrows, which it seemed 
to shoot at random; some of the arrows were 
tipped with lead, some with pure gold. A 
wounded dragon lay under its feet. 

Britomart was so amazed at this wonderful 
figure, that she kept gazing at it again and again, 
though its brightness dazzled her. But, casting 
her eyes round the room to discover every secret 
222 


The Legend of Britomart 


of the place, she saw written over the door these 
words : — 

‘‘be bold” 

She read this over and over, but could not think 
to what it could refer; but whatever it might mean, 
it did not in the least discourage her from following 
out her first intention, so she went forward with 
bold steps into the next room. 

This second room was even fairer and richer 
than the first one, for it was not hung round with 
tapestry, but was all overlaid with pure gold carved 
into the most curious and grotesque figures. 

Britomart marveled to see all this wealth and 
luxury, but, still more, that there was no trace of 
a living person — nothing but wasteful emptiness 
and solemn silence over all the place; it seemed 
strange that there was no one to possess such 
rich belongings, nor to keep them carefully. 

And as she looked about she saw how over 
that door, too, was written “Be bold, be bold,” 
and everyhere, “Be bold.” She meditated deeply 
over this, but could not understand it. At last, 
at the upper end of the room, she saw another iron 
door, on which was written: — 

“be not too bold” 

Although she bent all her wise mind to the subject, 
she could not tell what the inscription might mean. 

Thus she waited there until evening, yet saw no 
22 .^ 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


living creature. And now gloomy shadows began 
to hide the world from mortal view and wrap it in 
darkness. Britomart did not dare to take of? her 
tiring armor, nor to go to sleep, for fear of secret 
danger, but she held herself in readiness, and saw 
that all her weapons were in good order. 

*11111 bat Britomart Saw in tbc Bncbantcb Cbambcr 

As darkness fell, Britomart heard the sound of 
a shrill trumpet, the sign of an approaching battle 
or a victory gained. This did not in the least 
daunt her courage, but rather strengthened it, for 
she expected each moment to see some foe appear. 

Then arose a hideous storm of wind, with thun- 
der and lightning, accompanied by an earthquake 
which seemed to shake the foundations of the 
world. This was followed by a horrible smell of 
smoke and sulphur, which filled the whole place. 
Yet still the brave Princess was not afraid, but re- 
mained steadfast. 

Suddenly a whirlwind sw^pt through the house, 
banging every door, and bursting open the iron 
wicket. Then stepped forth a grave-looking per- 
son, in costly raiment, bearing in his hand a branch 
of laurel. Advancing to the middle of the room, 
he stood still, as if he had something to say, and 
beckoned with his hand for silence. After making 
various other signs, as if he were explaining some 
play that was going on, he softly retired, and then 
224 


The Legend of Britomart 


his name could be seen written on his robe in 
golden letters — “Ease.” 

Britomart, still standing, saw all this, and won- 
dered what his strange intention could be. 

Then through the iron wicket came a joyous 
band, minstrels and poets playing and singing 
sweet music, and after them came a number of 
strange figures in curious disguise, marching in 
order like a procession. 

The first was Fancy, a lovely boy. His garment 
was neither silk nor cloth, but painted plumes. 
He seemed as vain and light as these same plumes, 
for he walked along as if he were dancing, bearing 
in his hand a great fan, which he waved to and fro. 
At his side marched Desire. His dress was ex- 
travagant, and his embroidered cap was awry. He 
carried in his hands some sparks, which he kept 
so busily blowing that they soon burst into flame. 

Next after these came Doubt, in a faded cloak 
and hood, with wide sleeves. He glanced side- 
ways out of his mistrustful eyes, and trod carefully, 
as if thorns lay in his path; he supported his feeble 
steps with a broken reed, which bent whenever he 
leaned hard upon it. With Doubt walked Danger, 
clothed in a ragged bear’s skin, which made him 
more dreadful, though his own face was grisly 
enough, and needed nothing to make it more so. 
In one hand was a net, in the other a rusty blade — 
Mischief and Mischance. With the one he threat- 
225 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

ened his foes, with the other he entrapped his 
friends. 

After Danger, walked Fear; he was all armed 
from top to toe, yet even then did not think him- 
self safe. He was afraid of every shadow, and 
when he spied his own arms glittering, or heard 
them clashing, he quickly fled away. His face was 
pale as ashes, and he kept his eyes fixed on Danger, 
against whom he always bent a brazen shield, 
which he held in his right hand. 

Side by side with Fear marched Hope, a hand- 
some maid, with a cheerful expression and lovely 
to see. She was lightly arrayed in silken samite, 
and her fair locks were woven with gold. She 
always smiled, and in her hand she held a little 
phial of dew, from which she sprinkled favors on 
any one she chose. She showed a great liking 
for many people, but true love to few. 

After them. Dissembling and Suspicion marched 
together, though they were not in the least alike; 
for Dissembling was gentle and mild, courteous 
to all, and seemingly gracious, well adorned, and 
handsome. But all her good points were painted 
or stolen; her deeds were forged, her words 
false. In her hand she always twined two clues 
of silk. 

Suspicion was ugly, ill-favored, and grim, for- 
ever looking askance under his sullen eyebrows. 
While Dissembling constantly smiled at him, he 
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The Legend of Britomart 


scowled back at her, showing his nature by his 
countenance. His rolling eyes never rested in one 
place, but wandered all around, for fear of hidden 
mischief; he held a screen of lattice-work in front 
of his face, through which he kept peering. 

Next him came Grief and Fury, fit companions 
— Grief clad in sable, hanging his dull head, and 
carrying a pair of pincers, with which he pinched 
people to the heart; Fury all in rags, tossing in her 
right hand a firebrand. Then followed Dis- 
pleasure, looking heavy and sullen, and Pleasure, 
cheerful, fresh, and full of gladness. Displeasure 
had an angry wasp in a bottle, and Pleasure a 
honey-laden bee. 

After these six couples came a beautiful lady, 
led by two villains, Spite and Cruelty. She looked 
pale as death, and very ill, but in spite of this was 
most lovely and graceful. Her feeble feet could 
scarcely carry her, but the two wretches held her 
up, and kept urging her forward. 

Then the Tyrant of the castle appeared — the 
winged figure of Love, whom Britomart had al- 
ready seen in the first room as a golden image. 
He rode on a ravenous lion, and had unbound his 
eyes so that he might gloat over the distress of the 
lovely lady which seemed to please him greatly. 
He looked round him with stern disdain, and, sur- 
veying his goodly company, marshaled them in 
order. Then he shook the darts that he carried in 
229 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

his right hand and clashed his rainbow-colored 
wings, so that every one was terrified. 

Behind him came his three chief attendants, 
Reproach, Repentance, and Shame, and after them 
flocked a rude, confused crowd, who owned him 
as master — Strife and Anger, Care and Unthrift- 
iness, Loss of Time and Sorrow, fickle Change, 
false Disloyalty, Rioting, Poverty, and, lastly, 
Death-with-infamy. 

All these and many other evil followers passed 
in disguise before Britomart, and, having thrice 
marched round the enchanted chamber, returned 
to the inner room whence they had come. 

How JBdtomart IReecucO a jfair XaD^ from a ‘MickeD 
Bncbanter 

As soon as the strange procession had passed 
into the inner room, the door shut tight, driven 
by the same stormy blast with which it had first 
been opened. Then the brave maiden, who all 
this while had remained hidden in shadow, came 
forth, and went to the door to enter in, but found 
it locked. In vain she thought to open it by 
strength when charms had closed it, and, finding 
force of no avail, she determined to use art, re- 
solving not to leave that room till the next day, 
when the same figures would again appear. 

At last the morning dawned, calling men to their 
daily work, and Britomart, fresh as the morning, 
230 


The Legend of Britomart 


came out from her hiding-place. All that day she 
spent in wandering and in gazing at the adorn- 
ment of the chamber, till again the second evening 
spread a black cloak over everything. Then at 
midnight the brazen door flew open, and in went 
bold Britomart, as she had made up her mind to 
do, afraid neither of idle shows nor of false charms. 

As soon as she entered, she cast her eyes around 
to see what had become of all the persons she had 
seen in the outside room the night before, but, lo ! 
they had all vanished. She saw no living mortal 
of that strange company except the same hapless 
lady, whose hands were bound fast, and who had 
an iron chain around her waist, fastened to a 
brazen pillar by which she stood. 

In front of her sat the vile Enchanter, drawing 
in blood strange characters of his art, to try to 
make her love him. But who could love the cause 
of all her trouble? He had already tried a thou- 
sand charms, but a thousand charms could not 
change the lady's steadfast heart. 

As soon as the enchanter saw Britomart, he 
hastily overthrew his wicked books, not caring to 
lose his long labor, and, drawing a knife out of his 
pocket, ran fiercely at the lady, thinking, in his 
villainy, to kill her. But Britomart, leaping 
lightly to him, withheld his wicked hand, and over- 
powered him. 

Then, turning the weapon from the one whom 
231 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

he had first meant to kill, he struck at Britomart 
and wounded her. The hurt was slight, but it so 
enraged the maiden that she drew her sword, and 
smote fiercely at the tyrant. He fell to the ground 
half dead, and the next stroke would have slain 
him, had not the lady who stood bound called to 
Britomart not to kill him. If she did so, the 
prisoner’s pain would be without remedy, for no 
one but the Enchanter who had put the spell on 
her could take it off again. 

Then Britomart unwillingly stayed her hand, for 
she grudged him his life, and longed to see him 
punished. 

‘‘Thou wicked man,'’ she said to him, “whose 
mischief and villainy merit death or worse than 
death, be sure that nothing shall save thee, unless 
thou immediately restore the lady to health and to 
her former condition. This do and live, or else 
thou shalt surely die.” 

The Enchanter, glad to live, for he had ex- 
pected nothing but death, yielded willingly; and, 
rising, began at once to look over the wicked book 
in order to reverse his charms. He read aloud 
many dreadful things, so that Britomart’s heart 
was pierced with horror. But all the time he read, 
she held her sword high over him, in case he tried 
to do further mischief. 

Presently the house began to quake, and all the 
doors to rattle. Yet this did not dismay her nor 
232 


The Legend of Britomart 

make her slacken her threatening hand. But, with 
steadfast eye and stout courage, she waited to see 
what would be the end. At last the mighty chain 
which was wound round the lady’s waist fell down, 
and the great brazen pillar broke into small pieces. 
Gradually her look of terrible suffering passed, and 
she became restored to perfect health. 

When she felt herself unbound, and quite well 
and strong, she threw herself at the feet of Brito- 
mart. 

'‘Ah, noble Knight !” she said, “what recompense 
can a wretched lady, freed from her woeful state, 
yield you for your gracious deed? Your virtue 
shall bring its own reward; even immortal praise 
and glory, which I, your vassal, freed by your 
prowess, shall proclaim throughout the world.” 

But Britomart, lifting her from the ground, said, 
“Gentle lady, this I ween is reward enough for 
many more labors than I have done, that now I see 
you in safety, and that I have been the means of 
your deliverance. Henceforth, fair lady, take 
comfort, and put away remembrance of your late 
trouble. Know, instead, that your loving husband 
has endured no less grief for your sake.” 

Amoretta, for that was the lady’s name, was 
much cheered to hear this mention of Sir Scuda- 
mour, for she loved him best of all living people. 

Then the noble champion laid her strong hand 
on the Enchanter who had treated Amoretta so 

233 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


cruelly, and, with the great chain with which he 
had formerly kept the hapless lady a prisoner, she 
now bound him and led him away captive. 

Returning the way she came, Britomart was dis- 
mayed to find that the goodly rooms which she 
had lately seen so richly and royally adorned had 
utterly vanished, and all their glory had decayed. 
Descending to the perilous porch, she found also 
that the dreadful flames, which had formerly so 
cruelly scorched all those who tried to enter, were 
quenched. It was now much easier to pass out 
than it had been to come in. The Enchanter, who 
had framed this fraud to compel the love of the fair 
lady, was deeply vexed to see his work all wasted. 

But when Britomart arrived at the place where 
she had left Sir Scudamour and her own trusty 
squire. Glance, she found neither of them there. 
At this she was sorely astonished; and Amoretta, 
who had looked forward to seeing her own dear 
Knight, was filled with fresh alarm. 

Sir Scudamour had waited long in dread for 
Britomart’s return, but not seeing her, nor any 
sign of her success, his expectation turned to de- 
spair, for he felt sure that the flames must have 
destroyed her. Therefore he took counsel with 
her old squire, who mourned her loss no less 
deeply, and the two departed in search of further 
aid. 


234 


The Legend of Britomart 


HClbat strange /iBcctinga JBcfcll on tbe Mai^ 

Leaving the Enchanter’s castle behind them, 
Britomart and Amoretta started in search of Sir 
Scudamour and Glance. 

As they went, Amoretta told Britomart the story 
of how she had come into the power of the wicked 
Busirane. On the very day of her marriage to 
Sir Scudamour, at the wedding feast, while all the 
guests were making merry, Busirane found means 
to introduce the strange procession which had so 
amazed Britomart in the enchanted chamber. 
Amoretta was persuaded in sport to join it, and 
was carried away quite unknown to any one. Seven 
months she had been kept in cruel imprisonment, 
because she would not consent to give up her own 
dear husband and become the wife of the wicked 
Enchanter. Now, at last, she was free, and when 
she discovered that her deliverer was not after all 
a knight, but in reality a beautiful maiden like her- 
self, her heart overflowed with love and gratitude, 
and she and Britomart speedily became the best 
and dearest friends. 

In the course of their journey they presently 
saw two knights in armor coming to meet them, 
each with what seemed at that distance a fair lady 
riding beside him. But ladies they were not, al- 
though in face and outward show they seemed so. 
Under a mask of beauty and graciousness they hid 

235 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 



vile treachery and falsehood, which were not ap- 
parent to any but the wise and cautious. 

One was the false Duessa, who had formerly be- 
guiled the Red Cross Knight and Sir Guyon. She 
had changed her usual appearance, for she could 
236 


The Legend of Britomart 


put on as many different shapes as a chameleon 
can new colors. 

Her companion was, if possible, worse than her- 
self. Her name was Ate, Mother of Strife, cause 
of all dissension both among private men and in 
public affairs. False Duessa, knowing that Ate was 
the most fitting person to aid her in mischief, had 
summoned her from her dwelling under the earth, 
where she wasted her wretched days and nights in 
darkness. Her abode was close to the Kingdom 
of Evil, where plagues and harms abound to punish 
those who do wrong. It was a gloomy dell, sur- 
rounded with thorns and briers; there were many 
ways to enter, but none by which to leave. 

All the broken walls inside were hung with the 
ragged memorials of past times, which showed the 
sad effects of strife. In this abode were rent 
robes and broken sceptres, sacred things ruined, 
shivered spears, and shields torn in twain. Here, 
too, were relics of great cities ransacked, of strong 
castles beaten down, of nations led into captivity, 
and of huge armies slain. All the famous wars in 
history found a record here, as well as the feuds 
and quarrels of private persons. 

Such was the house inside. Outside, the barren 
ground was full of poisonous weeds, which Strife 
herself had sown; they had grown great from small 
seeds — the seeds of evil words and wrangling 
deeds, which, when they came to ripeness, bring 

237 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


forth an infinite increase of trouble and contention, 
often ending in bloodshed and war. These hor- 
rible seeds also served Ate for bread, and she had 
been fed upon them from childhood, for she lived 
upon that which -killed other people. She was 
born of a race of demons, and brought up by the 
Furies. 

Strife was as ugly as she was wicked; she could 
speak nothing but falsehood, and she never heard 
aright. She could not even walk straight, but 
stumbled backward and forward; what one hand 
reached out to take, the other pushed away, or 
what one hand made the other destroyed. Great 
riches, which had taken many years to collect, she 
often squandered rapidly, dismaying their pos- 
sessors; for all her study and thought was how she 
might overthrow the things done by Concord. So 
far did her malice surpass her might that she tried 
to bring all the world’s fair peace and harmony 
into confusion. Such was the odious creature that 
rode with Duessa. 

The two knights who escorted them, Blanda- 
mour and Paridell, were young and handsome, but 
both equally foolish, fickle, and false. When they 
saw Britomart and the lovely Lady Amoretta ap- 
proaching, Blandamour jestingly tried to make his 
companion attack Britomart, so that he might win 
Amoretta for himself. But Paridell remembered 
how he had already fought with a knight bearing 
238 


The Legend of Britomart 


those arms and that shield, outside the castle of the 
churl Malbecco, and he had no desire to provoke 
a new fight. 

“Very well,” said Blandamour; “I will challenge 
him myself,” and he rode straight at Britomart. 

But he had soon cause to repent his rashness, for 
Britomart received his advance with so rude a wel- 
come that he was speedily thrown from his saddle. 
Then she passed quietly on, leaving him on the 
ground much hurt, an example of his own folly, 
and as sad now as he had formerly been merry. 

Paridell ran to his aid and helped him to mount 
again, and they continued on their way, Blanda- 
mour trying as well as he could to hide the evil 
plight he was in. Before long they saw two other 
knights coming quickly to meet them, and Blanda- 
mour was enraged to see that one was Sir Scuda- 
mour, whom he hated mortally, both because of his 
worth, which made all men love him, and because 
he had won the Lady Amoretta. Blandamour was 
greatly vexed that his bruises prevented his wreak- 
ing his old spite, and he immediately spoke thus 
to Paridell : — 

“Fair sir, let me beg of you in the name of 
friendship, that, as I lately ventured for you and 
received these wounds, which now keep me from 
battle, you will now repay me with a like good 
turn, and justify my cause on yonder Knight.” 

Paridell willingly agreed, and sped at the 

239 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


stranger like a shaft from a bow, but Sir Scuda- 
mour was on his guard, and prepared himself to 
give him a fitting welcome. So furiously they met 
that each hurled the other from his horse, like two 
billows driven by contrary tides which meet to- 
gether and rebound with roaring rage, dash- 
ing on all sides and filling the sea with foam. So 
fell these two, in spite of all their pride. 

But Scudamour soon raised himself, and up- 
braided his foe for lying there so long. 

Blandamour, seeing the fall of Paridell, taunted 
Sir Scudamour as a traitor, and heaped abuse on 
him, saying that he only attacked knights who 
were too weak to defend themselves. 

Scudamour gave no answer to this, trying to re- 
strain his indignation; but then Duessa and Ate 
both chimed in, wickedly doing all they could to 
arouse his passion. 

They spoke jeering words, and said they won- 
dered that Sir Scudamour should care to fight for 
any lady, for Amoretta was faithless and had gone 
off with another Knight. 

This Knight, we know, was in reality the Prin- 
cess Britomart; but Sir Scudamour did not know 
this. He swore, in a fearful rage, to be revenged; 
he even threatened to kill the squire, Glauce, who 
was still with him, since he could not get hold of 
his master. In vain the poor old nurse tried to 
appease him, for she dared not disclose Britomarf s 
240 


The Legend of Britomart 


secret. Three times Sir Scudamour lifted his hand 
to kill Glance, and three times he drew back; until 
at last he became somewhat pacified. 

1bow Sir Sat^rane iproclaimeD a (5rcat ^Tournament 

The fickle and quarrelsome couple, Blandamour 
and Paridell, having been defeated by Britomart 
and Sir Scudamour, next fell in with a party of 
two knights and two masked ladies. They sent 
their squire to find out who these were, and he 
brought back word that they were two doughty 
knights of dreaded name, Cambell and Triamond, 
and the two ladies were their wi^^s, Cambina and 
Candace. All four were very famous people, and 
dear friends, and had had many wonderful ad- 
ventures. 

Blandamour, in his usual vainglorious spirit, 
would gladly have tested his strength against the 
knights, but he was still sore from the late un- 
lucky fight with Britomart. However, he went up 
to them, and began to abuse and insult them, think- 
ing in this way to win admiration from the ladies. 
Of course this enraged the two knights, who were 
both bent on punishing Blandamour for his base 
behavior. But Cambina, wife of Cambell, soothed 
them with her mild words, so, for the present, they 
were reconciled. 

The whole party rode on together, talking of 
daring deeds and strange adventures, and, among 
241 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

other things, of the great tournament to which 
they, were all bound. 

This tournament had been planned by Sir Saty- 
rane, the same woodland knight who had formerly 
befriended Una, and who had met Britomart at the 
castle of the churl Malbecco. Some time before, 
ranging abroad in search of adventure, he had 
come to the sea-coast, where he was horrified to 
find a vile monster, something like a hyena, feeding 
on the dead body of a milk-white palfry. He 
knew the horse at once as the one which Florimell 
was accustomed to ride, and, moreover, he found 
beside it her golden girdle. This girdle had fallen 
from her in her flight, for Florimell had escaped 
in a small boat; but Sir Satyrane did not know this 
— he thought she had been killed by the savage 
brute. Filled with fury, he fell on the creature. 
He was unable to slay it, for it was protected by 
the magic spells of its mistress, a wicked witch, 
but he led it away captive, though it afterward 
escaped. 

The golden girdle which Sir Satyrane found he 
kept as a sacred treasure, and wore for the sake of 
Florimell. But when she herself was lost and 
gone, many knights who also loved her dearly were 
jealous that Sir Satyrane alone should wear the 
ornament of the lost lady, and began to bear spite 
against him. Therefore, to stop their envy, he 
caused a solemn feast, with public tourneying, to be 
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The Legend of Britomart 


proclaimed, to which every knight was to bring his 
lady. She who was found fairest of them all 
was to have the golden girdle as a reward, and 
she was to bestow it on the stoutest knight. 

Now it happened after the flight of Florimell, 
that the wicked witch from whom she had escaped 
made up another person to represent her, in order 
to deceive people. This imitation maiden was most 
beautiful to see. The substance of which her body 
was made was purest snow frozen in a mass, and 
mixed with virgin wax, tinted with vermilion; her 
eyes shone like stars, and her hair was golden. 
Any one who saw her would surely say it was 
Florimell herself. 

But this false Florimell had a wicked and deceit- 
ful spirit, full of fawning guile, and she excelled in 
all manner of wily cunning. 

In the course of her wandering, this creature, 
who was known by the name of the ^‘Snowy Lady,” 
came across Braggadochio, whom you will remem- 
ber as the cowardly boaster that stole Sir Guyon’s 
horse and armor. But as she rode along with 
Braggadochio the latter was attacked and beaten 
by another knight, who thought the lady was the 
real Florimell. He in turn was vanquished by 
Blandamour, who also imagined that she was the 
true Florimell. Though he was false himself, and 
had deceived hundreds of others, he was no match 
for the Snowy Lady in cunning. 

245 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


When Blandamour heard of the great tourna- 
ment held by Sir Satyrane in honor of Florimelhs 
golden girdle, he determined to go there and claim 
the prize on behalf of its rightful owner, whom he 
then believed to be under his protection. Thus it 
came to pass that the false Florimell journeyed 
with Blandamour and the others to the tourna- 
ment. 

Not long after Cambell and Triamond, with their 
wives, Cambina and Candace, had joined the party, 
they saw a man in" bright armor, with spear in rest, 
riding toward them as though he meant to attack 
them. Paridell immediately prepared his own 
weapons, whereupon the other slackened his pace, 
and seemed to alter his intention, as if he meant 
nothing but peace and pleasure now that he had 
fallen by chance into their fellowship. Seeing this, 
they greeted him civilly, and he rode on with 
them. 

This man was Braggadochio. When his eyes 
fell on the false Florimell, he remembered her as 
the lady who had been taken from him not long 
before. He therefore began to claim her as his 
own prize, and threatened to seize her again by 
force. 

Blandamour treated his words with much dis- 
dain, saying, “Sir Knight, since you claim this lady, 
you shall win her, as I have done, in fight. She 
shall be placed here, together with this hideous old 
246 


The Legend of Britomart 


hag, Ate, that whoso wins her may have her by 
right. But Ate shall go to the one that is beaten, 
and he shall always ride with her till he finds 
another lady.” 

That offer pleased all the company, so the false 
Florimell was brought forward with Ate, at which 
every one began to laugh merrily. But Bragga- 
dochio now tried to withdraw his challenge. He 
said he never thought to imperil his person in fight 
for a hideous old creature like that. If they had 
sought to match the lady with ahother equally fair 
and radiant, he would then have spent his life to 
justify his right. 

At this vain excuse, they all began to smile, 
scorning his unmanly cowardice. The Snowy 
Lady reviled him loudly for refusing to venture 
battle for her sake when it was offered in such 
knightly fashion, and Ate secretly taunted him 
and held him up to shame and contempt. But 
nothing did he care for friend or foe, for in the 
base mind dwells neither friendship nor enmity. 

But Cambell stopped them all, saying, ‘‘Brave 
knights and ladies, certainly you do wrong to stir 
up strife when most we need rest, so that we may 
keep ourselves fresh and strong against the coming 
tournament, when every one who wishes to fight 
may fight his fill. Postpone your challenge till 
that day, and then it shall be tried, if you will, 
which one shall have Ate and which one the lady.” 

247 


The Story of the Faerie Oiieene 


They all agreed, and so, turning everything to 
sport and pleasantness, they passed merrily on 
their way, till at length, on the appointed day, they 
came to the place where the tournament was to be 
held. 

TlClbat J$efell on tbe 3 Fir 0 t anb Seconb 2)ai50 of tbe 
fTournamcnt 

On arriving at the scene of the tournament, the 
little company divided, Blandamour and those of 
his party going to one side and the rest to the 
other side; but boastful Braggadochio, from vain- 
glory, chose rather to leave his companions, so 
that men might gaze on him alone. The rest dis- 
posed themselves in groups, each one to his own 
choice, every knight with his own lady. 

Then, first of all, came forth Sir Satyrane, bear- 
ing the precious relic in a golden casket, so that 
no evil eyes should profane it. Then softly draw- 
ing it out of the dark, he showed it openly, so that 
all men might mark it — a gorgeous girdle of mar- 
velous workmanship, curiously embossed with 
pearls and precious stones of great value. It was 
the same girdle which Florimell had lately lost. 
Sir Satyrane hung it aloft in open view, to be the 
prize of might and beauty. The moment it was 
uncovered, the glorious sight attracted every one’s 
gaze and stole the hearts of all who looked on it, 
so that they uttered vain vows and wishes. Thrice 
248 


The Legend of Britomart 


happy, it seemed to them, would be the lady and 
knight who gained such a splendid reward for 
their peril and labor. 

Then the bold Sir Satyrane took in his hand a 
great spear, such as he was accustomed to wield, 
and, advancing forward from all the other knights, 
set his shield in place, showing that he was ready 
for the fray. The warriors who fought on his side 
were called the ‘‘Knights of Maidenhood.” They 
were the challengers, and their aim was to keep the 
golden girdle in their own possession. 

Against him, from the other side, stepped out a 
Pagan knight, well skilled in arms, and often tried 
in battle. He was called “Bruncheval the Bold.” 
These two met together so furiously that neither 
could sustain the other’s force, and both cham- 
pions were felled to the ground, where they lay 
senseless. 

Seeing this, other knights rode quickly to their 
aid, some fighting on one side and some on the 
other. Only Braggadochio, when his turn came, 
showed no desire to hasten to the help of his party, 
but stood still as one who seemed doubtful or dis- 
mayed. Then Triamond, angry to see him delay, 
sternly stepped forward and caught away his 
spear, with which he so sorely assailed one of the 
knights that he bore both horse and rider to the 
ground. To avenge his fall one knight after 
another pressed forward, but Triamond vanquished 
249 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


them all, for no one seemed able to withstand his 
power. 

By this time Sir Satyrane had awakened from his 
swoon. When he looked around and saw the 



merciless havoc that Sir Triamond had wrought 
upon the knights of his party, his heart was almost 
broken with bitterness, and he wished himself dead 
rather than in so bad a plight. He began at once 
250 


The Legend of Britomart 


to gather up his scattered weapons, and, as it hap- 
pened, he found his steed ready. Like a flash of 
fire from the anvil, he rode fiercely to where 
Triamond was driving his foes before him, and, 
aiming his spear at him, he pierced his side. Tria- 
mond could scarcely keep from falling, but he 
withdrew quietly from the field, so that no one 
saw what had happened. 

Then the challengers — the Knights of Maiden- 
hood — began to^ range the field anew, and pride 
themselves on victory, since no one dared to main- 
tain battle against them. By that time it was 
evening, which caused them to refrain from fight- 
ing, and the trumpets sounded for them to cease. 

So Sir Satyrane was judged to be the best knight 
on that first day. 

The next morning the tournament began anew. 
Satyrane, with his gallant band, was the first to 
appear, but Sir Triamond was unable to prepare 
for battle, because of his wound. This grieved 
him much, and Cambell, seeing this, and eager to 
win honor on his friend’s behalf, took the shield 
and armor which were well known to belong to 
Triamond, and without saying a word to any one, 
put them on and went forth to fight. 

There he found Satyrane lord of the field, 
triumphing in great joy, for no one was able to 
withstand him. Envious of his glory, and eager 
to avenge his friend’s indignity, Cambell at once 

251 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


bent his spear against him. After a furious battle, 
he overthrew Sir Satyrane; but, before he could 
seize his shield and weapons, which were always 
the reward of the victor, a hundred knights had 
pressed around him to rescue Satyrane, and to take 
Cambell prisoner. Undismayed, the latter fought 
valiantly, but what could one do against so many? 
At last he was taken captive. 

When news of this was brought to Triamond, 
he forgot his wound, and, instantly starting up, 
looked for his armor. But he sought in vain, for 
Cambell had taken it. Triamond therefore threw 
on himself Cambell’s armor, and nimbly rushed 
forward to take his chance. There he found the 
warrior band leading away his friend. 

He thrust into the thickest of that knightly 
crowd, and smote down all till he came to where 
he had seen Cambell, like a captive thrall, between 
two other knights. Triamond attacked them so 
fiercely that they were obliged to let their prisoner 
go, and then the two friends, fighting together, 
scattered their foes in alarm, as two greedy wolves 
might scatter a flock of sheep. They followed in 
pursuit till the sound of the trumpet warned every 
one to rest. 

Then all with one consent yielded the prize of 
this second day to Triamond and Cambell as the 
two best knights. But Triamond resigned it to 
Cambell, and Cambell gave it back to Triamond, 
2 c^2 


The Legend of Britomart 


each trying to advance the other’s deeds of arms, 
and make his praise preferred before his own. 

So the judgment was deferred to another day. 

Ibow :©ritomart 2)i^ JSattle for tbc ©olOcn (5irMe 

The last day of the tournament came, when all 
the knights again assembled to show their feats 
of arms. Many brave deeds were done that day, 
but Satyrane above all the other warriors displayed 
his wondrous might; from first to last he remained 
fighting, and though at times fortune failed him, 
yet he always managed to retrieve his honor, and 
with unwearied power he kept the prize secure for 
his own party. 

The field was strewn with shivered spears and 
broken swords and scattered shields, showing how 
severe the fight had been; there might be seen also 
loose steeds running at random, whose luckless 
riders had been overthrown, and squires hastening 
to help their wounded masters. But still the 
Knights of Maidenhood came off the best, till 
there entered on the other side a stranger knight. 

Whence he came no man could tell. He was 
in a quaint disguise, for all his armor was like a 
savage dress, decked with woody moss, and his 
steed had trappings of oak-leaves, that seemed fit 
for some savage mortal. Charging the enemy, 
this stranger smote down knight after knight, till 
every one began to shun the sight of him. All 

253 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

wondered greatly who he was and whence he 
came, and began to ask each other his name; but 
when they could not learn it, it seemed most suit- 
able to his wild disguise to term him the Savage 
Knight. 

But, truly, his right name was otherwise. 
Though known to few, he was called Sir Artegall, 
the champion of Justice, the mightiest Knight then 
living. 

Sir Satyrane and all his band were so dismayed 
by his strength and valor that none of them dared 
remain in the field. But, as the sun set, there 
came out of the thickest rout another strange 
knight, who joined the fray and soon put the glory 
of the Savage Knight to shame. 

Rushing upon Sir Artegall in the midst of his 
pride, this strange Knight charged him with his 
mighty spear and smote him so sorely on the visor 
that he fell backward from his horse. Cambell, 
seeing this, ran at the stranger with all his might 
and main, but was soon likewise lying on the field. 
Triamond thereupon was inwardly full of wrath, 
and determined to avenge the shame done to his 
friend; but he soon found himself lying by his 
friend, in no less need of help. Blandamour had 
seen everything from beginning to end, and when 
he beheld this he was sorely displeased, and 
thought he would soon mend matters; but he fared 
no better than the rest. 


254 


The Legend of Britomart 


Many others also charged upon the Knight, but 
in like manner they were all dismounted; and of a 
truth it was no wonder. No power of man could 
stay the force of that enchanted spear, for the 
stranger was no other than the famous Brito- 
mart. 

Thus the warrior Princess saved that day to the 
Knights of Maidenhood the prize which was well- 
nigh lost, and bore away the prize of prowess from 
them all. 

Then the shrill trumpets began to sound, and 
bade them leave their labor and long toil for the 
joyous feast, where the precious golden girdle was 
to be awarded to the most beautiful lady. 

Through all ages it has been the custom to join 
the prize of beauty with the praise of arms and 
chivalry. And there are special reasons for this, 
for each relies much upon the other; that knight 
who can best defend a fair lady from harm is 
surely the most fitting to serve her; and that lady 
who is fairest and who will never swerve from her 
faith, is the most fitting to deserve his service. 

After the deeds of prowess came the contest of 
the sovereign grace of beauty, in which the girdle 
of Florimell should fall to her who most excelled. 
Many wished to win it only from vanity, and not 
for the wondrous virtues which some said it pos- 
sessed. For the girdle gave the gift of constant 
and loyal love to all who wore it; but whosoever 

255 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

was false and fickle could not keep it on, for it 
would loosen itself, or else tear asunder. It was 
said to be of magic origin, and Florimell, to whom 
it had been given long ago, held it dear as her life. 
No wonder, then, that so many ladies sought to 
win it, for she who wore it was accounted to be 
peerless. 

The feast being ended, the judges went down 
into the field of battle to decide this contest of 
beauty in which all the ladies competed. But, 
first inquiry was made as to which of those knights 
who had lately tourneyed had won the wager. 
Then it was judged that Satyrane had done best 
on the first day, for he ended last, having begun 
first; the second day was adjudged to Triamond, 
because he saved the victor from disaster, although 
Cambell was in all men’s sight the victor till by 
mishap he fell into the hands of his.foemen; the 
third day’s prize was adjudged to the stranger 
knight, whom they all termed the “Knight of the 
Ebony Spear,” and it was given by good right to 
Britomart, for she had vanquished the Savage 
Knight, who until then was the victor, and ap- 
peared at the last unconquered. 

To Britomart, therefore, the fairest lady was 
adjudged as a companion. 

But Artegall was greatly vexed that this 
stranger had deprived him both of honor and of 
the reward of victory. He could not dispute what 

256 


The Legend of Britomart 


was decreed, but he inwardly brooded over the 
disgrace, and awaited a fit time to be avenged. 

This matter being settled and every one agreed, 
it next followed to decide upon the paragon of 
beauty, and yield to the fairest lady her due prize. 

Ibow tbe ©olDcn (5irMe ‘QClaa BwarbcD to tbc jfalec 
jflodmell 

Then each knight in turn began to claim the 
golden girdle on behalf of his own lady. First, 
Cambell brought to their view his fair wife, Cam- 
bina, covered with a veil. When the veil was with- 
drawn there was revealed a lady of surpassing love- 
liness, whose beauty stole all wavering hearts. 
Next, Sir Triamond uncovered the face of the fair 
Candace, which shone with such beauty that the 
eyes of all were dazzled as with a great light. After 
her, Paridell produced his false Duessa, who, with 
her false beauty, entrapped the hearts of some who 
regarded her the fairest. And after these a 
hundred more ladies appeared in turn, each one of 
whom seemed to excel the others. 

At last Britomart brought forward the lovely 
Amoretta, whose face, uncovered, seemed like the 
heavenly picture of some bright angel. Then all 
who saw her thought that Amoretta would surely 
bear away the prize. 

But Blandamour, who imagined that he had the 
real, true Florimell, now displayed the Snowy 

257 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

Lady, and the sight at once dismayed all the 
rest. 

For all who seemed bright and fair before, now 
appeared base and contemptible. Every one who 
saw her was ravished with wonder; they thought 
she could not be mortal, but must be a celestial 
being. They were all glad to see Florimell, yet 
they thought Florimell was not so fair as this lady. 

Then, by the decision of all, the golden belt was 
granted to her as to the fairest lady; and, bringing 
it to her, they thought to place it around her waist, 
as became her best. But this they could by no 
means do, for every time they fastened the girdle, 
it grew loose and fell away, as if there were some 
secret fault in her. Again and again she put it 
round her waist, but again and again it fell apart. 
All the people wondered at the strange sight, and 
each one thought according to his own fancy. But 
the Snowy Lady herself thought it was some spite- 
ful trick, devised to bring disgrace on her, and was 
filled with wrath and shame. 

Then many other ladies tried to put on the 
girdle, but it would stay on none of them. As soon 
as they thought it fast, immediately it was untied 
again. 

Seeing this, a scornful knight began to jest and 
sneer, saying it was a pity that, among so many 
beautiful ladies, not one was found worthy to wear 
the girdle. All the knights began to laugh 

258 


The Legend of Britomart 



and all the ladies to frown, till at last the gentle 
Amoretta essayed to prove the girdle’s power. 
She set it around her waist, and found it fitted 
perfectly and remained clasped about her. 

The other ladies were very envious, and the 
Snowy Lady was greatly fretted. Angrily snatch- 
259 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

ing the belt from Amoretta, she again tied it round 
her own body, but none the more would it fit her. 

Nevertheless, to her, as her due right, was the 
girdle yielded, for every one thought she was the 
true Florimell, to whom it really belonged. And 
now she had to choose her companion knight. 
Then she adjudged the prize to the “Knight of the 
Ebony Spear,” who had won it in fight. But 
Britomart would not assent to this, nor give up her 
own companion, Amoretta, for the sake of that 
strange lady, whose wondrous beauty she esteemed 
less than the wisdom and goodness of Amoretta. 

When the other knights saw Britomart refuse, 
they were all very glad, for each hoped Florimell 
would choose himself. But the judges said that 
after Britomart she must next choose the second 
best, and that was the Savage Knight. But Sir 
Artegall had already left in displeasure because he 
had not won the prize. Then she was offered Tria- 
mond, but Triamond loved Candace, and no one 
else. Then SirSatyrane was adjudged to Florimell, 
and he was right glad to gain so goodly an award; 
but Paridell and Blandamour and many other 
knights were very angry and wanted to fight Sir 
Satyrane. The hideous old woman. Ate, with 
wicked words, stirred them all up to demand and 
challenge Florimell as their right, the recompense 
which they deserved for their peril. 

Among the rest, with boastful, vain pretence, 
260 


The Legend of Britomart 


Braggadochio stepped forward and claimed her as 
his thrall, having won her in battle long ago. He 
called the Snowy Lady herself to witness this, and 
being asked, she confessed that it was the case. 

Thereupon all the other knights were more 
angry than ever, and they were quite ready to pre- 
pare anew for battle. But Sir Satyrane hit on a 
plan to appease them. He suggested that the lady 
herself should choose which knight she preferred, 
and all the others should abide by the choice. 
This they agreed to. So Florimell was placed in 
the midst of them all, and every knight hoped she 
would choose him. Then, having looked a long 
time at each one, as though she wished to please 
them all, the Snowy Lady walked up to Bragga- 
dochio, and the two went off together. 

Britomart took no part in the struggle for Flori- 
mell, for as soon as she saw that discord had 
arisen, she left the place. Taking with her the 
lovely Amoretta, who was still looking for Sir 
Scudamour, Britomart rode off on her first quest, 
to seek her beloved Knight, Sir Artegall, whose 
image she had seen in the magic mirror. Little 
did she know that he was the Savage Knight with" 
whom she had so lately fought, and who was even 
now waiting to be revenged on her. 


261 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


Ibow Sic ScuDamour Came to tbc Ibouse ot Care 

Thus Britomart, with much toil and grief, still 
sought the Knight whom she had seen in the 
magic mirror, and in all her sad misfortunes she 
found her fellow-wanderer, Amoretta, a great 
comfort. But the gentle Scudamour, whose heart 
the malicious Ate had filled with jealous discon- 
tent, was bent on revenge against the blameless 
Princess. The wicked tale told by Ate pricked his 
jealous heart like a thorn, and pierced his soul 
like a poisoned arrow. Nothing that Glance could 
do or say would change his feeling; the more she 
tried to excuse Britomart, the more Sir Scuda- 
mour grieved night and day, so that nothing but 
dire revenge could abate his anger. 

As they traveled, night, gloomy with cloud and 
storm and bitter showers, fell upon them. This 
forced them to seek a shelter where they might 
hide their heads in quiet rest. Not far away, they 
spied a lonely cottage, like some poor man’s dwell- 
ing. It was placed under a steep hillside, where 
the mouldering earth had hollowed out the bank. 
A small brook of muddy water, bordered by a few 
crooked willows, passed close by the cottage. 

When Sir Scudamour and Glance came nearer, 
they heard the sound of many iron hammers cease- 
lessly beating, so that it semed as though some 
blacksmith dwelt in that desert place. Entering, 
262 



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The Legend of Britomart 


they found the good man himself bent busily at 
work. He was a wretched, worn creature, with 
hollow eyes and wasted cheeks, as if he had been 
long shut up in prison. His face was black and 
grisly-looking, covered with grime that nearly 
blinded his eyes. His beard was uncut and his hair 
unkempt. His garment was rough and torn to 
rags; he had no better, nor cared for any better. 
His hands were blistered and burnt from the cin- 
ders, unwashed, with long nails fit to rend the food 
on which he lived. 

This creature was called Care. He was a black- 
smith by trade, who never ceased working, day or 
night, but made iron wedges of small use. 

He kept six servants hard at work, always stand- 
ing round the anvil with great huge hammers, and 
never resting from battering stroke on stroke. 
All six were strong men, but each was stronger 
than the one before; so they went up, as it were, 
in steps. So likewise the hammers which they 
bore varied in order of greatness. The last serv- 
ant far exceeded the first in size; he was like some 
monstrous giant. So dreadfully did he beat the 
anvil that it seemed as if he would soon drive it 
to dust. So huge was his hammer, and so great 
his energy that it seemed as though he could break 
and rend asunder a rock of diamond if he cared 
to try. 

Sir Scudamour greatly wondered at the manner 
265 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

of their work and weary labor, and having beheld 
it for a long time, at last inquired the cause and 
end of it. But all his questions were in vain, for 
they would not stop from their work for anything, 
nor listen to what he said. Even the gusty bellows 
blew fiercely, like the north wind, so that no one 
could hear. 

The warrior, seeing this, said no more, but lay 
down upon the floor to rest in his armor. And the 
aged nurse, Glauce, his faithful squire, also laid 
herself down, for her age and weakness needed 
rest after so long and tiring a journey. 

There lay Sir Scudamour, longing for the mo- 
ment when gentle sleep would close his weary eyes, 
turning often from side to side, and often choosing 
a new place where it seemed he might repose 
better. And often in wrath he arose, and often in 
wrath lay down again. But wherever he disposed 
himself, he could by no means obtain the desired 
ease; every place seemed painful, and each change 
useless. 

And evermore when he thought to sleep, the 
sound of the hammers jarred his nerves, and ever- 
more when he began to get drowsy, the noise of 
the bellows disturbed his quiet rest. All night the 
dogs barked and howled around the house, scent- 
ing the stranger guest; and now the crowing cock, 
and now the owl shrieking loudly, fretted his very 
soul. 


266 


The Legend of Britomart 


If by fortune, a little drowsiness chanced to fall 
on his heavy eyelids, immediately one of the vil- 
lains rapped him on the head with his iron mallet, 
so that he awoke and started up quickly, as one 
afraid, or as if one had suddenly called him. Thus 
he was often roused, and then he lay musing on the 
unhappy cause that had led him to the House of 
Care. 

At last his wearied spirit, too tired to resist fur- 
ther, gave place to rest; yet even now he was 
troubled with bad dreams. Then the wicked 
creature, the mastersmith, took a pair of red-hot 
iron tongs and nipped him in the side, so that his 
heart quite quaked at the pain. Thereupon he 
started up to be avenged on the person who had 
broken his quiet slumber, but looking round about 
him he could see no one, yet the smart remained, 
though the giver of it had fled. 

In such disquiet and heart-fretting pain. Sir 
Scudamour passed all that long night, and now the 
day began to peep over the earth, sprinking the 
morning grass with pearly dew. Then he arose, 
his head feeling like a heavy lump of lead, and one 
could plainly read in his face, as in a looking-glass, 
signs of the anguish he had gone through. 

He mounted his war-horse and set forth again 
on his former journey, and with hiin also went 
Glauce, the aged squire, ready to share whatever 
pain and peril might be in store. 

267 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

IKow tbe Savaac Iknigbt /ftct tbc Iknigbt wttb tbc 
JEboni^ Spear 

The day after Sir Scudamour left the House of 
Care, as he rode sadly on his way, he saw an armed 
Knight sitting in the shade on the edge of a forest, 
while his steed grazed beside him. Directly this 
Knight saw Scudamour he mounted and rode 
eagerly toward him,' as if he intended mischief; 
but, as soon as he saw the arms borne by him, he 
lowered his spear and turned aside. Sir Scuda- 
mour wondered at this, but the other said, “Ah, 
gentle Scudamour, I submit myself to your grace, 
and ask pardon of you for having this day almost 
done you an injury.” 

Whereupon Scudamour replied, “Small harm is 
it for any warrior to prove his spear, without 
malice, on a venturous knight. But, sir, since you 
know my name, pray tell me what is your own?” 

“Truly you must excuse me from making known 
my right name now, for the time has not yet come 
for it,” was the reply; “but call me the Savage 
Knight, as others do.” 

“Then tell me. Sir Savage Knight,” said Scuda- 
mour, “do you dwell here, within the forest, which 
would answer well with your array? Or have you 
put it on for some special occasion, as seems more 
likely, as you shun known arms?” 

“The other day a stranger Knight brought 
268 


The Legend of Britomart 


shame and dishonor on me,” replied the Savage 
Knight. “I am waiting to revenge the disgrace 
whenever he shall pass this way by day or night.” 

^‘Shame be his reward who purposes shame!” 
said Scudamour. “But what is he by whom you 
were shamed?” 

“A stranger Knight, unknown by name, but 
known by fame and by an ebony spear, with which 
he bore down all who met him. He, in an open 
tourney lately held, stole away from me the honor 
of the game, and having felled me, already weary, 
reft me of the fairest lady, whom he has ever since 
withheld.” 

When Scudamour heard mention of the spear, 
he knew right well it was Britomart, who also, as 
he imagined, had taken Amoretta from himself. 
Then his jealous heart swelled with rage, and he 
said sharply, “And that is not the first unknightly 
act which that same Knight has done to other 
noble warriors, for he has lately stolen my lady 
from me, for which he shall pay dearly before 
long; and if to the vengeance decreed by you this 
hand can supply any help or succor, it shall not 
fail whensoever you need it.” 

So they both agreed to wreak their wrath on 
Britomart. 

While they thus talked together, lo ! far away 
they saw a Knight gently riding toward them. 
He was attired in foreign armor and strange array, 
269 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

and when he came near they saw plainly he was the 
same for whom they waited. 

Then said Scudamour, “Sir Savage Knight, I 
pray thee, that since I was the first to be wronged, 
let me be the first to requite it, and if I happen to 
fail, you shall recover my right.” 

This being yielded, Sir Scudamour prepared his 
spear for battle, and ran fiercely against Brito- 
mart. But she gave him so rude a welcome that 
she smote both man and horse to the ground. 
The sight of the knight’s mischance added fresh 
fuel to Artegall’s burning rage, and thrusting for- 
ward his steel-headed lance at a venture, he rode 
against Britomart; but his evil intention recoiled 
on himself, for he was speedily unhorsed. 

Starting up lightly, he snatched forth his deadly 
blade, and assailed Britomart with such vigor that, 
although she was mounted and he on foot, she was 
forced to give ground. As they darted here and 
there, it chanced in her wheeling round that one 
stroke fell on her horse and wounded him so badly 
that Britomart was forced to alight. 

Now she could no longer use her enchanted 
spear. Casting it from her, she betook herself to 
her sword and shield, and fought so valiantly that 
even now she was almost a match for Sir Artegall; 
but toward the end, while his strength seemed to 
grow greater, hers became less. At last he raised 
his hand, and gathering all his force, struck such 
270 


The Legend of Britomart 


a terrible blow that it seemed as if nothing but 
death could be her fate. 

The stroke fell on her helmet, and with its force 
sheared off the visor, and, glancing harmlessly 
downward did her no more injury. 

With that, her angel face, unseen before, shone 
forth radiant as the dawn; and round about it her 
\ellow hair, loosed from its usual bands, appeared 
like a golden border, cunningly framed in a gold- 
smith’s forge. Yet goldsmith’s cunning never 
knew how to fashion such subtle wire, so clear and 
shining; for it glistened like the golden sand which 
the bright water of Pactolus throws forth on the 
shore around him. 

As Sir Artegall again lifted up his hand, think- 
ing to work his utmost vengeance on her, his 
powerless arm, benumbed with secret fear, shrunk 
back from his revengeful purpose, and his cruel 
sword fell from his slack fingers to the ground, 
as if the steel felt the compassion that his hand 
lacked, and thought to do obedience to such divine 
beauty. And Artegall himself, gazing long there- 
on, at last fell humbly down upon his knee; and 
imagining he saw some angelic being, he besought 
her to pardon his error, which had done her 
such infinite wrong; while trembling horror seized 
him, and made every limb quake and his brave 
heart quail. 

Britomart, nevertheless, full of wrath for that 
271 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


last stroke, kept her angry hand uplifted all the 
while; she stood over him, with a stern look, 
threatening to strike unless he prevented her, and 



biding him rise or he should surely die. But die or 
live, nothing would make Sir Artegall stand up. 
He prayed more earnestly that the warrior-maiden 
272 



The Legend of Britomart 


would either pardon him or do with him as she 
chose, because of the great wrong he had done 
her. 

When Scudamour saw this he was wondrously 
dismayed, and, drawing near this peerless image of 
perfection, he, too, was terrified, and did homage 
to Britomart as to some celestial vision. 

But Glance, seeing all that had happened, knew 
well how to right their error. Glad at such a 
good ending, and rejoiced to see Britomart safe 
after her long toil,- she advanced and saluted her 
with a hearty greeting. Then she besought her to 
grant truce for a while to these warriors, which 
being yielded, they lifted their beavers and showed 
themselves to her as they were. 

Ibow Britomart BnDeD Ibcr (Siuest 

When Britomart, with keen, observant eye, be- 
held the handsome face of Artegall, tempered with 
sternness, strength, and majesty, her mind at once 
recalled it as the same which in her father’s palace 
she had seen long since in that enchanted mirror. 
Then her wrathful courage began to falter and her 
haughty spirit to grow tame, so that she gently 
lowered her uplifted hand. Yet she tried again to 
raise it, as if feigning the anger which was now 
cold; but whenever she saw his face, her hand fell 
down, and would no longer hold the weapon 
against him. Then having tried in vain to fight, 

273 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


she armed her tongue and thought to scold him. 
Nevertheless, her tongue would not obey her will, 
but when she would have spoken against him, 
brought forth mild speeches instead. 

Sir Scudamour, glad at heart because he had 
found all his jealous fears false, now exclaimed 
jestingly, “Truly, Sir Artegall, I rejoice to see you 
bow so low, and to find that you who formerly were 
wont to despise ladies, have lived to become the 
thrall of one.’’ 

When Britomart heard the name of Artegall, 
her heart leaped and trembled with sudden joy and 
secret fear. She flushed deeply, and thought to 
hide her agitation by feigning her former angry 
mood. 

Then Glance began wisely to put all matters 
right. First, she told both the knights not to 
marvel any more at the strange part Fate had made 
Britomart play; then she bade Sir Artegall not to 
lament because he had been conquered by a 
woman, for love was the crown of knighthood; 
and, lastly, she entreated Britomart to relent the 
severity of her anger, and, wiping out the remem- 
brance of all ill, to grant pardon to Artegall, if he 
would fulfil the penance she would impose on him. 
“For lovers’ happiness is reached by the path of 
sorrow,” she added. 

At this, Britomart blushed, but Sir Artegall 
smiled to himself and rejoiced in his heart; yet he 
274 


The Legend of Britomart 


dared not speak of the love he bore her, for her 
grave and modest face and royal bearing still kept 
him in awe. 

But Scudamour, whose heart hung all this while 
in suspense between hope and fear, longing to hear 
some glad and certain news of his Lady Amoretta, 
now addressed Britomart. “Sir, may I ask of 
you tidings of my love, my Amoretta, since you 
freed her from her long and woful captivity? 
Tell me where you left her, so that I may seek 
her, as is fitting.” 

“Indeed, Sir Knight, what has become of her 
I cannot rightly tell,” replied Britomart. “From 
the time I freed her from the Enchanter’s captivity, 
I have preserved her from fear and peril, nor was 
there ever any one whom I loved more dearly; but 
one day, as we traveled through a desert wild, both 
being weary, we alighted and sat down in the 
shadow, where I fearlessly lay down to sleep. 
When I awoke, I did not find Amoretta where I 
had left her, but thought she had wandered away. 
I called her loudly, I sought her near and far, but 
nowhere could find her, nor hear any tidings of 
her.” 

When Scudamour heard this, his heart was 
thrilled with fear, and he stood dazed and silent. 
Glance tried to comfort him, bidding him not give 
way to needless dread until he was certain what 
had happened, “For she may yet be safe, though 

275 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


she has wandered away/’ she said. ‘‘It is best to 
hope the best, though afraid of the worst !” 

But he took no heed of her cheerful words, till 
Britomart said, “You have, indeed, great cause of 
sorrow, sir; but take comfort, for by the light of 
Heaven, I swear not to leave you, dead or living, 
till I find your lady, and be avenged on him who 
stole her !” 

With that Sir Scudamour was contented. 

So, peace being established among them, they all 
took their horses and guided by Sir Artegall rode 
forward to a resting-place. Here a hearty wel- 
come greeted them, with daily feasting, both in 
bower and hall, until their wounds were well 
healed, and their weary limbs recovered. 

And all the time Sir Artegall and Britomart 
grew to love each other more and more, though 
Britomart did all she could to hide her feeling. 
But so persistently did Sir Artegall woo her that 
at last she was obliged to listen to him, and to re- 
lent. She consented to be his wife, and the mar- 
riage took place. 

But their happiness was not yet complete. Sir 
Artegall was all this while bound upon a hard ad- 
venture, which had still to be fulfilled, and when a 
fitting time came he departed on his quest. Poor 
Britomart could scarcely let him go, though he 
faithfully promised to return directly he had 
achieved his task, which would probably take him 
276 


The Legend of Britomart 


not longer than three months. With that she had 
to be appeased, however unhappy she really felt; 
and early the next morning Sir Artegall started, 
Britomart went with him for a while on his 



journey. She could not bear to part from him, but 
all the way kept trying to find excuses for delay. 
Many a time she took leave, and then again in- 
vented something to say, so unwilling was she to 
277 


The Story of the Faerie Oueene 


lose his company. But at last she could find no 
further excuse, so, with a sad heart, she left him 
and returned to Scudamour, whom she had prom- 
ised to aid in his search for Amoretta. 

Sir Scudamour and Britomart went back to the 
desert forest, where the latter had lately lost 
Amoretta. They sought her there, and inquired 
everywhere for tidings, yet found none. 


278 


BOOK IV 


Ube Squtre ot Xow Kcgree 

Zbc (3iant with iflamtnfl 

W HEN Britomart, the warrior Princess, had 
found the fair lady Amoretta, and rescued 
her from the wicked Enchanter, she 
started forth with her to find her husband, the 
good Knight Scudamour. Riding through a 
forest, they alighted to rest, and here Britomart, 
overcome with weariness, lay down to sleep. 

Amoretta, meanwhile, fearing nothing, roamed 
at pleasure through the wood. Suddenly from be- 
hind, some one rushed out, who snatched her up 
and bore her away. This was a huge, hideous 
savage, who killed and ate all the beautiful 
maidens he could get hold of. He carried 
Amoretta fainting in his arms, through the forest, 
till he came to his dwelling, a horrible cave, far 
from all people’s hearing. Into this he flung her, 
and went off to see if he could secure any other 
victims. 

Amoretta was roused by her fall, but when she 
looked about and found nothing but darkness and 
horror, she almost fainted again, and did not know 
whether she were above or under the ground. 
279 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


Then she heard some one close by sighing and 
sobbing, and found this was another beautiful lady 
whom the savage had taken prisoner. 

Amoretta asked her who she was, and the lady 
told her sad story. 

She said her name was Emilia; she was the 
daughter of a great lord, and everything went joy- 
ously with her till she happened to fall in love with 
a gentle youth, a squire in her father’s household. 
He was gallant and worthy enough for any lady to 
love, but he was not of noble birth like herself, and 
her father refused to let her marry him. Nothing, 
however, would make her change her mind, and 
rather than forsake her faithful Amyas she resolved 
to leave friends and family, and fly with him. A 
meeting-place in the wood was arranged; but 
there, instead of her gallant squire, she found the 
savage monster, who pounced on her like an 
eagle, and carried her to his cave. 

While Emilia and Amoretta were talking of their 
troubles, the hideous villain who was the cause of 
them came rushing back, and rolled away the stone 
which he used to bar the entrance. Directly he 
entered, Amoretta slipped past him, and escaped 
Krom the cave with a loud scream of horror. Fast 
she fled, but he followed as swiftly. She did not 
feel the thorns and thickets prick her tender feet; 
neither hedge, nor ditch, nor hill, nor dale could 
stop her; she overleaped them all like a deer, and 
280 


The Squire of Low Degree 


made her way through the thickest brushwood. 
And whenever she looked back with anxious eyes 
and saw the grisly monster approaching, she quick- 
ened her pace, spurred on by fear. 

Long she fled thus, and long he followed, and it 
seemed as if there were no living aid for her on 
earth. But it chanced that the glorious Huntress- 
Queen, Belphoebe, with her companions, the wood- 
nymphs, were that day chasing the leopards and 
the bears in that wild forest. A gentle squire, who 
was also one of the party, became separated from 
the others, and came in sight of Amoretta just as 
she was overtaken by the savage, who carried her 
away under his arm, grinning and yelling with 
laughter. 

The squire immediately attacked the savage, but 
it was difficult to do him any harm, for the latter 
held Amoretta all the while as a shield and the 
squire was afraid of hurting her. But at last he 
did succeed in wounding the wretch, who then 
flung Amoretta rudely on the ground, and flew at 
the squire so fiercely that he forced him back. 

In the midst- of their battle. Belphoebe drew 
near. The robber, seeing her approach with bow 
in hand and arrows ready bent, would no longer 
stay to fight, but fled away in ghastly fear, for he 
knew she was the only one who could kill him. 
But fast as he flew, Belphoebe kept pace with him, 
and before he reached his den she sent forth an 
281 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

arrow with mighty force which smote him in the 
very doorway and slew him. 

Amoretta and Emilia were now safe, and they 
lived together in the wood for some time; 
but both were very ill — Emilia from having been 
kept so long a prisoner in the cave, where she 
was nearly starved, and Amoretta from the hurts 
she had received in the rough handling of the 
savage. 

One day it chanced that through this wood rode 
Prince Arthur, and he came to the place where the 
two ladies dwelt. He was greatly grieved to see 
their sad state, especially Amoretta’s, who looked 
as if she could not live long. He immediately drew 
forth some of the precious liquor which he always 
kept about him, and which had the power of heal- 
ing all wounds. It was the same wonderful medi- 
cine that he had long ago given to the Red Cross 
Knight, when he rescued him from the dungeon of 
Giant Pride. Prince Arthur sprinkled a few drops 
of this on Amoretta’s wounds, and she soon re- 
covered her strength. 

When the ladies were well, Prince Arthur began 
to ask what evil guide had brought them there, and 
how their harms befell them. They told him all 
that had happened, and how they had been released 
from thraldom by the beautiful Belphoebe. Then 
the Prince said he would restore them safely to 
their friends, and placing them both on his war- 
282 


The Squire of Low Degree 

horse, he went beside them himself on foot, to 
shield them from fear. 

Thus, when they had passed out of the forest 
they spied far away a little cottage to which they 
came before nightfall. But entering, they found 
no one dwelling there, except one old woman who 
sat upon the ground in tattered raiment. Her hair 
was disheveled, and she gnawed her nails with 
cruelty and rage. She was a hideous creature to 
see, and no less hateful by nature, for her heart was 
full of rancor and spite, which often broke forth in 
streams of poison, bitterness, and falsehood against 
all who held to truth or virtue. Men called her 
Slander. 

It was Slander’s nature to abuse all goodness, 
and continually to invent crimes of which to ac- 
cuse guiltless people, so that she might steal away 
their fair name. No knight was ever so bold, nor 
any lady so good and loyal, but that Slander strove 
to defame them falsely; never thing was done so 
well but she would blot it with blame, and deprive 
it of due praise. Her words were not meant to 
express the meaning of the mind, but they were 
sharp and bitter, piercing the heart and grieving 
the soul; like the stings of asps that kill with their 
bite, her spiteful words pricked and wounded in- 
wardly. 

Such was the hag, unfit to receive these guests, 
whom the greatest prince’s court would have been 
283 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


glad to welcome; but their necessity bade them 
look for no better entertainment. It was, besides, 
an age which despised luxury. People were ac- 
customed to hardness and homely fare, which 
trained them to warlike discipline, and to endure 
carelessly any hard fortunes or luckless mishaps 
which might befall them. 

All that evening, suffering with cold and hunger, 
they spent together, and found no fault, except that 
the hag scolded and railed at them for lodging 
there without her consent. But they mildly and 
patiently endured it all, regardless of the unjust 
blame and bitter reviling of so worthless a 
creature. 

Directly it was daylight they prepared to con- 
tinue their journey, and went forth, Amoretta and 
Emilia as before riding on the horse, and the 
Prince walking beside them. As soon as they de- 
parted, wicked old Slander followed, reviling them, 
and calling them evil names. The more they were 
vexed at this, the worse she raged and railed; and 
even when they had passed out of sight and hear- 
ing, she did not stop her spiteful speeches, but 
railed anew against the stones and trees, until she 
had dulled the sting that grew in the end of her 
tongue. 

As the travelers went slowly on their way, they 
saw galloping toward them, as if in flight, a squire 
who bore before him on his steed a little dwarf, 
284 



“ a Squirt came qaUopinq» as be woulb flie, 
JBearlnq a little Dwarfe before bis steeb. 
TlDlbom after bib a miqbtie man pursew* 
TRpbinq upon a IDromebare on bie, 
®f stature buqe, anb horrible of bew.*' 





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The Squire of Low Degree 

shrieking loudly for help. They were pursued by 
a mighty man, riding on a dromedary, huge of 
stature, and horrible to behold. From his terrible 
eyes came two fiery beams, sharper than needles’ 
points, which had the power of working deadly 
poison to all who looked on him without good 
heed, and of secretly slaying his enemies. All the 
way he raged at the squire, and hurled threats at 
him, but the latter fled so fast he could not 
overtake him. Seeing the Prince in his bright 
armor, the squire called to him to pity him and 
rescue him from his cruel foe. 

Then Prince Arthur assisted the two ladies to 
alight from his war horse, and mounting in their 
place came to the squire. In another moment the 
giant was upon them. He aimed a furious blow at 
the squire, which would certainly have killed him, 
had not -the noble Prince defeated the stroke by 
thrusting forward and meeting it on his own 
shield. It fell with such force that it drove the 
shield aside, and knocked both the squire and the 
dwarf to the ground. Then Prince Arthur, en- 
raged, smote at the pagan with all his might and 
main, and killed him. 

When the squire saw his foe was dead he was 
indeed glad, but the dwarf howled aloud to see his 
lord slain, and tore his hair, and scratched his face 
for grief. 

Then the Prince began to inquire about every- 
287 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


thing that had happened, and who he was whose 
eyes flamed with fire. And all this the squire then 
told him : — 

ifor 1bi0 3fnenD'0 Safte 

“This mighty man whom you have slain,” said 
the. squire, “is the son of a huge giantess. By his 
strength he gained rule to himself and led many 
nations into thraldom, conquering them, however, 
not in battle, by armies of men with waving ban- 
ners, but by the power of his malignant eyes, with 
which he killed all who came within his control. 
Never before was he vanquished, but always van- 
quished all with whom he fought. Nor was there 
any man so strong but that he bore him down, nor 
any woman so fair but he made a captive of her; 
for his chief desire was to make spoil of strength 
and beauty, and utterly to destroy them. Because 
of his wicked eyes, which cast flakes of fire into 
the hearts of those who looked at him, he was 
rightly called Corflambo. 

“He has left one daughter who is named the fair 
Poeana, who seems outwardly as fair as living eye 
ever saw; and if her virtue were as bright as her 
beauty, she would be as fair as any one on earth. 
But she is too much given to folly and pleasure. 

“As it happened, there was a gentle squire who 
loved a lady of noble birth; but because of his low 
rank, her friends sagely counseled her not to marry 
him. But Emilia would not break the promise she 
288 


The Squire of Low Degree 


had given Amyas, for she loved him truly, and 
holding firmly to her first intention, she resolved 
to marry him, in spite of all her friends. They 
appointed, therefore, a time and place of meeting, 
but when the squire repaired there, a sad misad- 
venture happened. Instead of finding his fair 
Emilia, he was caught unawares by Corflambo, 
who carried his wretched captive, overcome with 
despair, to his dungeon, wheVe he remained un- 
aided, and unsought. 

“The giant’s daughter came one day in glee to 
the prison, to view the captives who lay in bondage 
there. Among the rest she chanced to see this 
gallant youth, the squire of low degree. She took 
a great fancy to him, and promised that if he would 
love her in return he should have his liberty. 

“Amyas, though plighted to another lady to 
whom he firmly meant to keep his faith, thought he 
had better take the means of escape offered by for- 
tune, and therefore pretended to admire Poeana, 
in order to win her favor and get his liberty. But 
the giant’s daughter still kept him in captivity, 
fearing that if she set him free he would leave at 
once and forget her. Yet she showed him so 
much favor above the other prisoners that he was 
allowed sometimes to walk about her pleasure 
gardens, having always a keeper with him. The 
keeper was this dwarf, her pet menial, to whom as 
a special favor she committed the keys of all the 
289 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


prison doors. He could, at his will, release those 
whom he chose, and those also whom he chose he 
could reserve for more severe punishment. 

‘‘When tidings of this reached me, I was deeply 
grieved because of the great love I bore to Amyas, 
and I went to the castle of Corflambo. There I 
concealed myself for a long time, till one day the 
dwarf discovered me, and told his mistress that her 
squire of low degree had secretly stolen out of 
prison; for he mistook me for Amyas, because no 
two people were ever more alike. 

“I was taken and brought before the giant’s 
daughter, who being also beguiled by the likeness, 
began to blame me for seeking to escape by flight 
from one who loved me so dearly; and then she 
ordered me again to prison. Glad of this, I did 
not contradict her, nor make any resistance, but 
suffered that same dwarf to drive me to the dun- 
geon. 

“There I found my faithful friend in heavy plight 
and sad perplexity, for which I was sorry, yet bent 
myself to comfort him again with my company. 
But this, I found, grieved him the more; for his 
only joy in his distress, he said, was the thought 
that Emilia and I were free. He loved Emilia well, 
as I could guess, and yet he said his love for me 
was even greater. 

“But I reasoned with him and showed him how 
easy it would be to manage a disguise because of 
290 



“ ^Tbie (Bganrs bangbtcr came upon a bag 
“Clnto tbe prison In ber jogous glee, 

Zo view tbe tbrals wbicb there In bonbage lap.” 


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The Squire of Low Degree 

our likeness, so that either we could change places 
or his freedom might be gained. He was very un- 
willing, and would not consent that I, who was free 
and out of danger, should wilfully be brought into 
thraldom. Yet, over-ruled at last, he consented. 

“The next day, at about the usual hour, the 
dwarf called at the door of the dungeon for Amyas 
to come directly to his lady’s bower. Instead of 
Amyas, I — Placidas — came forth, and unrecog- 
nized, went with him. The fair Poeana received 
me with joy and gave me an affectionate greeting, 
thinking that 1 was Amyas. Not having any for- 
mer love of my own, I was quite willing to accept 
her kindness and favor, as indeed it was expedient 
to do. I pretended to make excuses for my former 
coldness, and promised to be more amiable in 
future. All this I did, not for my own sake, but to 
do good to my friend, for whose liberty alone I 
staked love and life. 

“Thenceforward I found more favor at Pceana’s 
hand. She bade the dwarf who had charge of me 
lighten my heavy chains and grant me more scope 
to walk abroad. So, one day, as I played with 
him on the flowery bank of a stream, finding no 
means of gaining our freedom unless I could con- 
vey away the dwarf, I lightly snatched him up and 
carried him off. 

“He shrieked so loudly that at his cry the tyrant 
himself came forth and pursued me. Nevertheless 

293 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

I would not give up my prey, and hither by force 
I have brought him.’’ 

As Placidas spoke thus to Prince Arthur, the 
two ladies, still doubtful through fear, came near, 
wishing to hear tidings of all that had happened. 

Directly Emilia spied her captive lover’s friend, 
young Placidas, she sprang toward him, and throw- 
ing her arms round him, exclaimed, “Does Amyas 
still live?’’ 

“He lives,” said Placidas, “and loves his 
Emilia.” 

“Not more than I love him,” she cried. “But 
what misfortune has kept him so long from me?” 

Then Placidas told her how Amyas had been 
taken captive. It filled her tender heart with pity 
to hear of the misery which he had endured so 
long, and she eagerly begged Prince Arthur to set 
him free. This the Prince readily consented to do. 

Ube (Slanrs 2)au0bter 

Of all human affection the love of one friend 
for another is surely the noblest and most unself- 
ish; and this true friendship Amyas and Placidas 
had for each other; not even their affection for 
kindred or fairest lady could shake their loyalty. 
Eor though Poeana were as beautiful as the morn- 
ing, yet Placidas, for his friend’s sake, scorned her 
offered favors. His only thought was what he 
could do to set Amyas free. 

294 


The Squire of Low Degree 


After Prince Arthur had promised to succor the 
squire who had lain so long in prison, he began 
to consider how best he could effect his purpose. 
Taking up the dead body of the giant, he firmly 
bound it on the dromedary, and made it ride as if it 
were alive. Then he took Placidas and placed him 
in front of Corflambo, as if he were a captive; and 
he made the dwarf guide the beast till they drew 
near the castle. When the watchman who kept 
continual guard saw them coming home, he 
ran down without doubt or fear, and unbarred 
the gate, and the Prince passed in with the 
others. 

There in her delicious bower he found the fair 
Poeana playing on a rote, complaining of her cruel 
lover, and singing all her sorrow in music. So 
sweet and lovely she seemed that the Prince was 
half-entranced, but wisely bethinking himself of 
what was right, he caught her unawares and held 
her captive. 

Then he took the dwarf and compelled him to 
open the prison door, and to bring forth the thralls 
which he kept there. Over a score of unknown 
knights and squires were brought to him, all of 
whom he freed from their bitter bondage, and re- 
stored to their former liberty. Among the rest 
came the squire of low degree, all weak and wan. 
As soon as Emilia and Placidas beheld him they 
both ran and embraced him, holding him fast be- 

295 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

tween them, and striving all they could to comfort 
him. 

The giant's daughter, seeing this, envied them 
both, and bitterly railed at them, weeping with rage 
and jealousy. But when they had been for some 
time together, talking over their adventures, al- 
though Poeana had often seen Amyas and Placidas 
separately, she began to doubt which was really the 
captive squire whom she had loved so dearly; for 
they appeared so alike in face and person that it 
was difficult to distinguish them. So also Prince 
Arthur was amazed at their resemblance, and gazed 
long in wonder, as did the other knights and 
squires who saw them. 

Then they began to ransack the giant’s castle, in 
which they found great store of hoarded treasure, 
which the tyrant had gathered by wicked means. 
Prince Arthur took possession of this, and re- 
mained a little while at the castle to rest himself, 
and refresh the ladies, Amoretta and Emilia. To 
these also he gave part of the treasure. 

To add to the rejoicing, he set free the captive 
lady, the fair Poeana, and placed her in a chair of 
state with the rest, to feast and frolic. But she 
would show no gladness nor pleasant glee, for she 
was grieved for the loss both of her father and of 
her lands and money. But most of all she deeply 
grieved for the loss of the gentle squire, Placidas, 
whom she really loved. 

296 


The Squire of Low Degree 


But Prince Arthur, with his accustomed grace, 
charmed her to mild behavior from the sullen rude- 
ness which spoilt her. With gentle words and 
manner he calmed her raging temper, and softened 
the bitterness which gnawed at her heart and kept 
her from the feast; for although she was most fair 
to see, she spoilt all her beauty by cruelty and 
pride. And in order to end everything with 
friendly love, since love was the cause of her grief, 
Prince Arthur wisely urged the trusty squire 
Placidas not to despise without better trial the lady 
who loved him so dearly, but to accept her to be 
his wedded wife. Placidas was quite willing to 
marry Poeana; so all their strife came to an end. 

From that day forth they lived together in peace 
and happiness : no private quarrel nor spite of 
enemies could shake the calm security of their 
position. And she whom Nature had created so 
fair that she could match the fairest of them all, 
and yet who had spoilt it by her own wayward 
folly, henceforth reformed her ways, so that all 
men marveled at the change, and spoke in praise 
of her. 

Thus having settled these friends, Amyas and 
Placidas, in peace and rest, for Amyas married his 
dear Emilia, Prince Arthur again went on his way; 
and with him went the Lady Amoretta, for she 
had still to find her husband, the good Knight 
Scudamour. 


297 


BOOK V 


Zhc ■Rnigbt of Justice 

Zbc SworC) of 5u6tice anO tbc Uron /Bban 

O NE of the noblest heroes at the Court of the 
Faerie Queene was Artegall, the champion 
of Justice. After his marriage with Brito- 
mart, it may be remembered, he started on a hard 
adventure, which led him into much peril. This 
was to succor a distressed lady whom a strong 
tyrant unjustly kept captive, withholding from her 
the heritage which she claimed. The lady was 
called Irene, Peace, and the tyrant, Grantorto, 
Great Wrong. 

When Irene came to the Faerie Queene to beg 
redress. Queen Gloriana, whose delight it was to 
aid all poor suppliants, chose Artegall to restore 
to her her rights, because he seemed the best 
skilled in legal learning. 

Even from his cradle Artegall had been brought 
up to justice; for one day when he was a little child 
playing with his companions, he had been found 
by a great and wonderful lady called Astraea, who. 
while she dwelt here among earthly men, in- 
structed them in the rules of justice. Seeing that 
298 


The Knight of Justice 


the boy was noble and fit for her purpose, she per- 
suaded him to go with her. She took him far 
away to a lonely cave, in which she brought him 
up, and taught him about the laws and acts of 
justice. She taught him to weigh equally both 
right and wrong, and where severity was needed 
to measure it out according to the line of con- 
science. For want of mankind, she caused him to 
practice this teaching on wild beasts which she 
found in the woods wrongfully oppressing others 
of their own kind. Thus she taught him to judge 
skilfully wrong and right till he reached the years 
of manhood, so that even wild beasts feared him, 
and men admired his overruling might. Nor was 
there any living person who dared withstand his 
behest, much less match him in fight. To make 
him more dreaded, Astrsea gave Artegall a wonder- 
ful sword, called “Chrysaor,” which excelled all 
other swords. It was made of most perfect metal, 
tempered with adamant, all garnished with gold 
upon the blade, whereby it took its name. It was 
no less powerful than famous, for there was no 
substance so firm and hard but it could pierce or 
cleave, nor any armor that could guard off the 
stroke, for wherever it lighted, it cut completely 
through. 

In course of time Astrsea left this world, and 
went to live among the stars, from which she had 
But she left behind her on earth her serv- 
299 


come. 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


ant, an iron man, who always attended on her to 
execute her judgments, and she bade him go with 
Artegall and do whatever he was told. The man’s 
name was Talus; he was made of iron mold, im- 
movable, irresistible, unchanging; he held in his 
hand an iron flail, with which he threshed out false- 
hood and unfolded the truth. 

Talus, therefore, went with Sir Artegall on his 
new quest, to aid him, if he chanced to need aid, 
against the cruel tyrant who oppressed the Lady 
Irene and kept the crown from her. Nothing is 
more honorable to a knight, nor better becomes 
his sense of chivalry, than to defend the feeble in 
their right, and redress the wrongs of those who 
go astray. So the heroes of old won their greatest 
glory, and herein this noble Knight excelled, who 
now went forth to dare great perils for the sake 
of justice. 

As Artegall and Talus went on their way, they 
chanced to meet the servant of Florimell, who told 
the good news that his lady was safe and well, and 
engaged to be married to her own true knight, 
Marinell. Sir Artegall was very glad to hear this, 
and asked when the wedding was to take place, for 
if he had time he would like to be present to do 
honor to the occasion. 

“The wedding will be within three days,’’ said 
the man, “at the Castle of the Strand; at which 
time, if nothing hinders me, I shall be there to do 
300 



. . . “ifor want there ot manhinh, 

She causco him to mahe crpcrfcnce 

'Clpon wpih bcaeta, wbicb 6bc in woobs Mb finb 

■caitb wrongfull powrc oppressing others of their ftlnb.’* 


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The Knight of Justice 


her service as I am bound. But in my way, a little 
beyond here, dwells a cruel Saracen who keeps 
with strong hand the passage of a bridge. He has 
killed there many a knight-errant, wherefore all 
men, out of fear, shun the passage.” 

“What sort of person, and how far away, is he 
who does such harm to travelers?” asked Artegall. 

“He is a man of great strength, expert in battle 
and in deeds of arms,” was the answer; “and he is 
made much bolder by the wicked spells with which 
his daughter supports him. He has secured large 
estates and goodly farms by oppression and ex- 
tortion, with which he still holds them. His crimes 
increase daily, for he never permits any one to pass 
that way over his bridge, be he rich or poor, with- 
out paying him toll. His name is called Pollente, 
because he is so strong and powerful; he conquers 
every one, some by his strength, and some by his 
cunning. For it is his custom to fight on the 
bridge, which is very narrow, but exceedingly long, 
and in this bridge are fixed many trap-falls, through 
which, not noticing, the rider falls down. Under- 
neath the bridge flows a swift and dangerously 
deep river, into which falls headlong, destitute of 
help, any one whom the Saracen overthrows. But 
the tyrant himself, because of his long practice, 
leaps forth into the flood, and there assails his foe, 
confused by his sudden fall, so that horse and man 
are both equally dismayed, and either drowned or 

303 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

treacherously slain. Then Pollente robs them 
at will, and brings the spoil to his daughter, who 
dwells close by. She takes everything that comes, 
and fills her wicked coffers, which she has heaped 
so high by wrong-doing that she is richer than 
many a prince, and has purchased all the country 
lying near with her ill-gotten gains. Her name is 
Munera. 

“She is very beautiful and richly attired; her 
hands are made of gold, and her feet of silver. 
Many great lords have wished to marry her, but 
she is so proud that she despises them all.” 

“Now by my life, and with Heaven to guide me,” 
said Sir Artegall, “no other way will I take this 
day but by that bridge where the Saracen abides; 
therefore lead me thither.” 

Zbc BOventurc of tbc Saracen'e JBrlbge 

Sir Artegall soon came to the place where he 
saw the Saracen ready armed on the bridge, wait- 
ing for spoil. When he and Talus drew near to 
cross it, an ugly-looking rascal came to them to 
demand passage-money, according to the custom 
of the law. “Lo, there are your wages !” said Sir 
Artegall, and smote him so that he died. 

When the Saracen saw this he became very 
angry, and prepared himself for battle; nor was Sir 
Artegall behind, so that they both ran at each other 
with leveled spears. Right in the middle, where 

304 


The Knight of Justice 


they would have met breast to breast, a trap was 
let down to make them fall into the river. The 
wicked wretch leaped down knowing well that his 
foe would fall; but Sir Artegall was on his guard, 
and also leaped before he fell. 

Then both of them being in the stream they flew 
at each other violently, the water in no way cooling 
the heat of their temper but rather adding to it. 
But there, the Saracan, who was well used to light- 
ing in the water, had great advantage, and often 
almost overthrew Sir Artegall. The charger, also, 
which he rode could swim like a fish. 

When Sir Artegall saw the odds against him, he 
knew there was no way but to close hastily with 
his foe, and driving strongly at Pollente he gripped 
him fast by his iron collar, and almost throttled 
him. There they strove and struggled together, 
each trying to drag the other from his horse, but 
nothing could make Artegall slacken his grip. At 
length he forced Pollente to forsake his horse’s 
back for fear of being drowned, and to betake him- 
self to swimming. There Pollente had no ad- 
vantage, for Artegall was skilful in swimming, and 
dared venture in any depth of water. 

For some time the contest was doubtful, for be- 
sides being skilled in that exercise, both were well 
trained in arms and thoroughly tried. Artegall, 
however, kept his breath and strength better, so 
that his foe could no longer withstand him, nor 

305 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 



bear himself upright, but fled from the water to 
the land. Artegall, with his bright sword, Chry- 
saor, pursued him so closely that Pollente had 
scarcely set foot on shore before his head was cut 
off. 


306 


The Knight of Justice 


This done, Sir Artegall took his way to the 
castle in which Munera dwelt, guarded by many 
defenders. Artegall sought entrance, but was re- 
fused and defied with a torrent of evil abuse. He 
was also beaten with stones flung down from the 
battlements, so that he was forced to retire, and he 
bade his servant Talus invent some way by which 
he could enter without danger. 

Then Talus went to the castle gate, and let fly 
at it with his iron flail, so that it sorely terrified 
all the warders, and made those stoop who had 
borne themselves so proudly. He battered and 
banged on the door, and thundered strokes so 
loudly that he shook the very foundations of the 
building, and filled all the house with fear and 
uproar. 

At this noise the Lady Munera appeared on the 
castle wall. When she saw the dangerous state in 
which she stood, she feared she would soon be 
destroyed, and began with fair words to entreat 
the iron man below to cease his outrage; for 
neither the force of the stones which they threw, 
nor the power of charms which she wrought 
against him could make him desist. 

But when she saw him continue, unmoved by 
pity or by prayers, she tried to bribe him with a 
goodly reward. She caused great sacks with 
countless riches to be brought to the battlements, 
and poured over the castle wall, so that she 

307 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

might gain some time whilst he gathered up the 
gold. 

Talus was not in the least moved or tempted by 
this, but still continued his assault with the iron 
flail, so that at length he rent down the door, and 
made a way for his master. When Artegall en- 
tered, it was no use for any one to try to withstand 
him. They all fled; their hearts failed them, and 
they hid in corners here and there; and the wicked 
lady herself, half-dead, hid in terror. For a long 
time no one could find her, but Talus, who, like a 
bloodhound, could track out secret things, at 
length found where she lay hidden under a heap of 
gold, and dragged her forth. Sir Artegall himself 
pitied her sad plight, but he could not change the 
course of justice. Like her father, Munera had to 
be punished in order to warn all mighty people who 
possess great power that they must use it in the 
right way, and not oppress the feeble. So the 
tyrant’s daughter was thrown into the water, and 
the stream carried her away. 

Then Talus took all the ill-gotten gold and 
treasure which her father had gathered together, 
and burning it to ashes, poured it into the river. 
T.astly, he pulled down the castle to its very found- 
ation, and broke up all the hewn stones, so that 
there could be no hope of its being restored. All 
which Talus having thoroughly performed. Sir 
Artegall reformed the evil fashion and wicked 
308 


The Knight of Justice 

customs of the bridge; and this done, he returned 
to his former journey. 

XLbc (Slant with tbc Scales 

After traveling a long, weary way. Sir Artegall 
and Talus came near the sea, and here one day they 
saw before them an immense crowd of people, 
stretching out as far as the eye could reach. They 
were much astonished at this great assembly, and 
approached to ask what had brought them to- 
gether. There they beheld a mighty giant stand- 
ing on a rock, and holding high in his hand a great 
pair of scales, with which he boasted that he could 
weigh the whole world, if he had anything to match 
it in the other scale. He said he would take up all 
the earth, and all the sea, divided from each other; 
so would he also make one balance of the fire, and 
one of air, without wind or weather: then he would 
balance heaven and hell together, and all that was 
contained within them, and would not miss a 
feather of their weight — any surplus of each that 
remained over he would restore to its own part. 
For, said he, they were all unequal, and had en- 
croached on each other’s share, like the sea which 
had worn the earth, as the fire had done the air. 
So all the rest took possession of each other’s 
parts, and thus countries and nations had gone 
awry. All of which he undertook to restore in the 
way they had anciently been formed, and every- 

309 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

thing should be made equal. He would throw 
down the mountains and make them level with the 
plain; the towering rocks he would thrust down 
into the deepest sea; he would suppress tyrants, so 
that they should no longer rule; and all the wealth 
of the rich men he would take away and give to 
the poor. 

All the silly ignorant folk flocked about the 
giant, to hear his vain delusions, like foolish flies 
around a jar of honey; for they hoped to gain great 
benefits from him, and uncontrolled freedom. 
When Artegall saw and heard how he misled the 
simple people, he drew near, and thus spoke to 
him without fear: — 

‘‘You that presume to weigh the world anew, 
and restore all things to an equality, it seems to 
me, show great wrong instead of right, and boast 
far more than you are able to perform.” And 
then he went On to rebuke the giant for his folly 
and presumption, and showed him that if he could 
not understand nor weigh properly even the 
things that he saw, how much less could he 
attempt to balance unseen matters, or call 
into account the works of the great Ruler of the 
universe. 

But the giant would not listen to reason, for he 
had no real desire for the right, and he still tried 
to continue his false and wicked teaching. Talus, 
therefore, seeing his mischievous ignorance, came 
310 


The Knight of Justice 


up, and toppled him over into the sea, where he 
fell with a great splash, and was drowned. 

When the people who had long waited there 
saw his sudden destruction, they began to gather 
in a turbulent mob, and tried to stir up strife, be- 
cause of the loss of all their expectations. For 
they had hoped to gai" great good and wonderful 
riches by the giant’s new schemes; and resolving 
to revenge his death, they rose in arms, and stood 
in order of battle. 

When Artegall saw this lawless multitude ad- 
vancing in hostile fashion, he was much troubled, 
and did not know what to do; for he was loth to 
kill such a rascally crew, and yet he feared to re- 
tire, lest they should follow him with shame. 
Therefore he sent Talus to them to inquire the 
cause of their array, and to request a truce. But as 
soon as they saw him coming they began to attack 
him with their weapons, and rudely struck at him 
on every side; yet they could not in the least hurt 
or dismay him. Then Talus lay about him with his 
flail and overthrew them like a swarm of flies. Not 
one of them dared come in his way, but they flew 
here and there, and hid themselves out of his sight 
in holes and bushes. When Talus saw that they 
all had forsaken the field, he returned to Sir Arte- 
gall, and they went on together. 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

JSorroweO plumes anO tbe ffate of tbe Snows Xabs 

After the Lady Florimell had escaped from the 
cruel hyena that had killed and devoured her milk- 
white palfrey, she met with many troubles and mis- 
fortunes; but they were all over now, and she was 
happily betrothed to her own true knight, Marinell. 

The time and place of the bridal were blazed far 
and wide, and solemn feasts and tournaments were 
arranged, to. which a countless throng of lords and 
ladies resorted from all directions, nor was there 
any brave knight absent. It would need the 
tongue of a herald to tell the glory of the feast that 
day — the splendid service, the brilliant variety of 
entertainments, the pomp of the bridegroom, the 
richness of the bride’s array, the crowd of noble 
ladies and gallant knights, the royal banquets, and 
the general rejoicing. When all the people had 
feasted, they began to prepare for deeds of arms 
and contests of chivalry. 

First of all rode forth Sir Marinell, and with him 
six other knights, to challenge all on behalf of 
Florimell, and to maintain that she excelled all 
other ladies. Against them came every one that 
cared to joust, from every coast and country under 
the sun : no one was debarred. Many brave deeds 
were done that day, and many a knight unhorsed, 
but little was lost or won. All that day the 
greatest praise redounded to Marinell. So also 
312 


The Knight of Justice 


the second day. At the end of the fighting the 
trumpets proclaimed that Marinell was the cham- 
pion. 

The third day came, which would test all the 
others, and the warriors met together to finish the 
tournament. Then Marinell again showed great 
valor, and flew like a lion through the thickest of 
the press, so that every one fled from the danger, 
and was amazed at his might. But the greater the 
prowess, the greater the peril; Marinell pressed so 
far into the ranks of the enemy that they closed 
up behind him, so that he could by no means make 
his way out. He was taken prisoner, and bound 
with chains, and would have been led away, for- 
saken by all, had not succor overtaken him in time. 

It happened that while Marinell was thus sorely 
beset, Sir Artegall came into the tilt-yard, with 
Braggadochio, whom he had lately met on the way 
with the false Florimell, the Snowy Lady. When 
Artegall heard of the bad fortune that had betided 
Marinell, he was much excited at his undeserved 
disgrace. He immediately begged the braggart 
with whom he was riding to change shields with 
him, in order that he might be the better concealed, 
and thus armed he went forth, and soon overtook 
the knights who were leading Marinell away. 
There were a hundred of them altogether. Half 
of them set upon Sir Artegall, and half stayed be- 
hind to guard the prey. Artegall was not long in 

313 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


beating the first fifty, and soon snatched the pris- 
oner from the rest. Then he quickly armed 
Marinell again, and together they overcame all the 
rest of the knights, and were left lords of the field. 
So Marinell was rescued from his foes. 

Having done this, Sir Artegall restored his 
shield to Braggadochio, who all this while had 
remained in the background. Then the trumpets 
sounded, and the judges rose, and all the knights 
who had borne armor that day came to the open 
hall to learn to whom the prize should be ad- 
judged. 

There also in open sight came the fair Florimell 
into the public hall, to give to every knight his 
guerdon. Then they loudly called for the stranger 
knight, to whom they should yield the garland, but 
he came not forth; instead of Sir Artegall came 
Braggadochio, and showed his shield, which bore 
the device of the sun, broadly blazoned on a 
golden field. 

The sight filled them with gladness, so to him 
they adjudged the prize of all that triumph. Then 
the shrill trumpets thrice resounded the name of 
Braggadochio, and thus courage lent a cloak to 
cowardice. Then the beautiful Florimell came to 
Braggadochio and spoke graciously in praise of 
his gallantry, and gave him a thousand thanks for 
so well defending her cause. 

To this the boaster made scornful answer that 

314 


The Knight of Justice 


what he did that day he did, not for her, but for 
his own lady’s sake, who excelled both her and 
every one else. His words much abashed the 
gentle lady, and she turned aside, ashamed to hear 
what he said. 

Then he brought forth his snowy Florimell, who 
was standing near, in charge of Trompart, cov- 
ered with a veil from people’s gaze; and when 
they had thoroughly eyed her they were stupefied 
with great amazement, saying that it was surely 
Florimell, or if she were not, then she surpassed 
Florimell herself. Such feeble skill have the vul- 
gar to judge with respect to perfect things ! 

Marinell, likewise, when he beheld her, was ex- 
ceedingly amazed, not knowing what to think or 
to do. He stood for a long time lost in astonish- 
ment, his eyes fixed fast on the Snowy Maid, 
whom the more he looked at, the more he thought 
was the true Florimell. 

When Artegall, who stood all this while close 
covered in the crowd, saw everything that passed, 
and the boasting and ungrateful cheating of Brag- 
gadochio, he could stand it no longer, but came 
forth, and showed himself openly to every one, 
and said to the boaster: — 

“Base wretch, thou hast defaced another’s 
worth with thy lies and decked thyself with bor- 
rowed plumes; when they are all restored, thou 
shalt be left in disgrace. That shield which thou 

315 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

bearest was indeed the one which saved the day’s 
honor to Marinell; but that was not the arm, nor 
thou the man who did that service to Florimell. 
For proof, show forth thy sword, and let it tell 
what strokes, what dreadful battle it stirred up this 
day. Or show the wounds which befell you ! 

“But this is the sword which wrought such 
havoc; and this the arm which bore that shield; 
and these the signs by which it is apparent the 
glory was won. As for that lady which he shows 
here,” he continued, turning to the others, “it is 
not Florimell at all, but some worthless creature, 
fit for such a mate, and who has fallen into his hand 
by misfortune”; and for proof he bade them call 
the true Florimell. 

So the noble lady was brought, adorned with 
honor and all comely grace, blushing with 
modesty, so that the roses mixed with the lilies in 
her lovely face, for she still felt deep shame at 
the rude words which Braggadochio had spoken 
to her. And when the people saw her they 
shouted aloud, and all showed signs of gladness. 

Then Sir Artegall placed her by the Snowy 
Lady, like a true saint beside some painted image, 
to make trial of their beauty, and to see which 
should win the honor. Straightway, as soon as 
they were both placed together, the enchanted 
damsel vanished into nothing. Her body of snow 
melted as with heat, and nothing remained of all 
316 


The Knight of Justice 


her goodly appearance except the empty girdle, 
which had been clasped round her waist. 

When the people present beheld this, they were 
struck with astonishment, and their hearts quailed 
with horror, to see the thing which seemed so 
excellent stolen away, so that no one understood 
what became of it. Braggadochio himself was so 
daunted with despair that he stood immovable, 
like a lifeless body. 

But Artegall took up the golden belt, the only 
thing left of all the spoil, which was not the Snowy 
Lady’s, as many mistakenly believed, but Flori- 
mell’s own girdle, reft from her when she fled from 
the vile monster. Unbuckling it, he presented it 
to Florimell, who fitted it perfectly round her 
slender waist. 

Ibow tbe (BooD Iborse Brlgaborc Iknew 1bl6 ©wn 
/iftastcr 

While every one was busied about Florimell, 
and in hearing the truth about Braggadochio, Sir 
Guyon, as it befell, came forward from the thickest 
of the crowd to claim his own good steed, which 
Braggadochio had stolen long ago. Seizing the 
golden bit with one hand, he drew his sword with 
the other, for he meant to smite the thief heavily, 
and had he not been held he would certainly have 
done so. 

Then a great hurly-burly arose in the hall be- 

317 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

cause of that war-horse, for Braggadochio would 
not let him pass, and Sir Guyon was quite resolved 
to have him, or to put the matter to the proof over 
his dead body. The uproar being perceived by 
Artegall, he drew near to stay the tumult, and be- 
gan to ask how the steed had been taken away, 
whether extorted by might or stolen by cunning. 

Then Sir Guyon told him about the Knight and 
the Lady, whom he and the Palmer had found, and 
to avenge whom he had gone on his quest against 
the wicked enchantress, Acrasia. He described 
how, when he had gone into the thicket to help 
the dying lady, his horse had been stolen by craft, 
for which he now challenged the thief to fight. 
But Braggadochio would by no means consent to 
this, for he hated such doings, and would rather 
lose than make trial of his right by an appeal to 
arms. 

Sir Artegall, hearing this, might then have 
handed over the horse to Sir Guyon, for according 
to knightly custom there was no need to try one’s 
cause by the law of arms, if a foe refused to meet 
one in the field. But wishing to establish Guyon’s 
claim properly, he asked him to describe any secret 
token borne by the horse. 

“If that will satisfy you,” said Sir Guyon, “there 
is within his mouth a black spot, shaped like a 
horse’s shoe, for any one who cares to seek for 
it.” 



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The Knight of Justice 


In order to test this, some one took hold of the 
horse, to look into his mouth; but the creature 
immediately struck at him so savagely with his 
fore feet that he broke the man’s ribs to pieces. 
Another, who seemed to have a little more sense, 
took him by the bright embroidered head-stall, 
but the horse bit him so sharply on the shoulder 
that he was quite disabled. Nor would he open 
his mouth to a single person until Sir Guyon 
himself spoke to him, and called him by his name, 
“Brigadore.” 

The instant the horse heard his voice he 
stood stock still, and allowed every one to see the 
secret mark; and when his master called him by 
name he broke all his fastenings and gleefully fol- 
lowed him, frisking and prancing and bending his 
head in submission. Thereupon Sir Artegall 
plainly saw to whom he belonged, and said : 

“Lo, there, Sir Guyon, take to yourself the 
steed, arrayed as he is in his golden saddle, and let 
that Worthless fellow fare hence on foot, until he 
has gained a horse.” 

But the vain braggart began to rate and revile 
Sir Artegall for giving such an unjust judgment 
against him. The Knight was so incensed at his 
insolence that he was tempted to punish him, and 
thrice he laid his hand on his sword to slay him. 
But Sir Guyon pacified Sir Artegall, saying it 
would only dishonor him to wreak his wrath on a 
321 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

churl like that. It would be punishment enough 
that every one saw his disgrace. 

Then Talus seized the boaster, and, dragging 
him out of the hall, indicted this punishment on 
him: First, he shaved off his beard; then he took 
his shield, and turned it upside down, and blotted 
out the device; and then he broke his sword in two, 
and scattered all his armor. After that he openly 
scourged him out of the court. 

So should all traitors who shame true chivalry 
be banished with infamy from among brave 
knights, for their evil doings often bring disgrace 
on just merit. 

Zbc BDventurc of tbc fTwo JBrotbers anb tbe Coffer 

When the wedding festivities of Marinell and 
Florimell were over, Sir Artegall left the Castle of 
the Strand, to follow his first quest; and the only 
person who went with him to help him was his 
servant Talus, the Iron Man. 

As he passed along the sea-shore he chanced to 
come where two comely squires were having an 
angry quarrel. They were brothers, but were just 
now stirred up by some matter of debate. Two 
good-looking damsels stood beside them, trying 
by every means to soothe their ire — now by fair 
words, but words did little good — now by threats, 
but threats only made them angrier. Before them 
stood a strong coffer, bound fast on every side 
322 


The Knight of Justice 

with iron bands, but seeming to have received 
much injury; either by being wrecked upon the 
shore, or by being carried far from foreign lands. 
It appeared as if it were for this coffer the squires 
w-ere fighting; and though the ladies kept inter- 
fering to prevent their furious encounter, yet they 
were firmly resolved to test their rights by dint of 
sword. Thus they both stood ready to meet in 
cruel combat when Sir Artegall, happily arriving, 
stopped for awhile their bickering till he had in- 
quired the cause of their dispute. To whom the 
elder made this answer: — 

“You must know, sir, we are two brothers, to 
whom our father, Milesio, bequeathed two islands, 
which you see there before you, not far off in the 
sea. Of these the one appears but like a little 
mount, of small size, yet it was as great and wide, 
not many years ago, as that other island, which is 
now so much larger. 

“But the course of time, which destrovs every- 
thing, and this devouring sea, which spares 
nothing, have washed away the greater part of my 
land, and thrown it up to my brother’s share, so 
his is increased but mine is lessened. Before this 
time I loved, as it happened, the maid over there, 
called Philtera, the Fair, with whom I should have 
received a goodly dower, and to whom I was to 
have been married. 

“At that time my younger brother, Amidas, 

323 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


loved the other damsel — Lucy — to whom but little 
dower was allotted. Her virtue was the dowry 
that delighted — and what better dowry can a lady 
possess? But now when Philtera saw my lands de- 
cay, and my former livelihood fail, she left me, and 
went over to my brother, who, taking her from 
me, completely deserted his own love. 

“Lucy, seeing herself forsaken, in despair flung 
herself into the sea, thinking to take away her 
grief by death. But see how her purpose was 
foiled ! Whilst beaten to and fro amidst the 
billows, hovering between life and death, she 
chanced unawares to light upon this coffer, which 
offered to her, in her danger, hope of life. 

“The wretched maiden, who had formerly de- 
sired death, now that she had had a taste of it began 
to repent that she had been so foolish, and caught 
hold of the sea-beaten chest, which after long toss- 
ing in the rough waves, at last rested on my island. 
Here I, wandering by chance on the shore, espied 
her, and with some difiiculty helped to save her 
from the jaws of death, which threatened to swal- 
low her up. In recompense for this she then be- 
stowed on me those goods which fortune had 
given her, together with herself, a free gift — both 
goodly portions, but herself the better of the two. 

“In this coffer which she brought with her we 
found great treasure, which we took as our own, 
and so considered it. But this other damsel, 

324 


The Knight of Justice 


Philtera, my brother’s wife, pretends now that the 
treasure belongs to her, that she transported the 
same by sea, to bring it to her newly-made hus- 



band, but suffered shipwreck by the way. 
Whether it be so or not I cannot say, but this I 
do say, that whatsoever good or ill Providence 

325 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


or fortune throws to me, not purposely wronging 
any one else, I hold as my own, and will so hold 
it still. And though Amidas first won away my 
land, and then my love, though now that matters 
little, yet he shall not also make prey of my 
good luck, but I will defend it as long as ever I 
can.” 

Bracidas, the elder brother, having thus spoken, 
the younger one followed, saying: — 

“It is quite true what my brother here has de- 
clared to you about the land; but the dispute be- 
tween us is not for that, but for this treasure, 
thrown upon his shore, which I can prove belongs 
to this lady, to whom I am married. It is well 
known by good marks and perfect witnesses, and 
therefore it ought to be rendered to her without 
denial.” 

When they had thus ended, the Knight spoke : — 

“Truly, it would be easy to reconcile your strife, 
if you would submit it to some just man.” 

“Unto yourself!” they both cried. “We give 
you our word to abide the judgment you pro- 
nounce to us.” 

“Then in token that you will accept my verdict, 
let each lay down his sword under my foot,” said 
Sir Artegall, “and then you shall hear my sen- 
tence.” 

So each of them laid down his sword out of his 
hand. 


326 


The Knight of Justice 

Then Artegall spoke thus to the younger 
brother : — 

“Now tell me, Amidas, if you can, by what good 
right do you withhold to-day that part of your 
brother’s land which the sea has plucked away 
from him, and laid on your share?” 

“What other right,” quoth Amidas, “would you 
deem valid, except that the sea laid it to my 
share?” 

“Your right is good,” said Sir Artegall, “and so 
I judge it. That which the sea sent unto you 
should be your own.” 

Then, turning to the elder brother, he spoke 
thus : — 

“Now, Bracidas, let this likewise be plain : your 
brother’s treasure, which has strayed from hini, 
being well known to be the dowry of his wife 
— by what right do you claim this to be your 
own?” 

“What other right,” quoth Bracidas, “would 
you deem valid, except that the sea has thrown it 
unto me?” 

“Your right is good,” said Sir Artegall, “and 
so I judge it. That which the sea sent unto you 
should be your own; for equal things have equal 
rights. What the mighty sea has once possessed 
and quite plucked from its owner’s hands — 
whether by the rage of the unresting waves, or 
tempest or shipwreck — it may dispose of by its 

327 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


imperial might to whomever it chooses, as a thing 
left at random. So in the first place, Amidas, the 
land was declared to be yours; and so, in like man- 
ner, Bracidas, the treasure is yours by right.” 

When Sir Artegall had thus pronounced sen- 
tence, both Amidas and Philtera were displeased, 
but Bracidas and Lucy were very glad, and im- 
mediately took possession of the treasure, in ac- 
cordance with the judgment. 

So their discord was appeased and each one had 
his right; and Sir Artegall, having stopped their 
contention, went on his way. 

IRaOlgunD, (Stueen of tbe 2lma3on0 

As Sir Artegall traveled on his way he saw far 
off a crowd of many people, to whom he hastened, 
in order to discover the cause of such a large as- 
sembly. When he came near he saw a strange 
sight — a troop of women clad in warlike fashion, 
with weapons in their hands, as if ready to fight; 
and in the midst of them he saw a knight, with 
both hands pinioned behind him, and round about 
his neck a halter, ready for the gallows. His head 
was bare and his face covered, so that it was not 
easy to distinguish him. He went along with a 
heavy heart, grieved to the soul, and groaning in- 
wardly that he should die so base a death at the 
hands of women. But they, like merciless tyrants, 
rejoiced at his misery, and reviled him, and sorely 
328 


The Knight of Justice 



reproached him with bitter taunts and terms of 
disgrace. 

When Artegall, arriving at the place, asked 
what cause had brought the man to destruction, 

329 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


the women swarmed eagerly round him, meaning 
to lay their cruel hands on him, and to do him 
some unexpected mischief. But he was soon 
aware of their evil mind, and drawing back de- 
feated their intention. He was ashamed to dis- 
grace himself by fighting with women, so he sent 
Talus to punish them for their rash folly. With 
a few strokes of his iron flail the latter speedily 
dispersed their troop, and sent them home to tell 
a piteous tale of their vain prowess turned to their 
own injury. 

The wretched man doomed to death they left 
behind them, glad to be quit of them. Talus soon 
set him at liberty, and released him from his 
horror at such a shameful death, unfitting a knight, 
which he dreaded more than loss of life; and un- 
covering his face, he brought him to his master, 
who knew him at once. 

“Sir Terpin !” cried Artegall. “Hapless man, 
what are you doing here? Have you lost your- 
self and your senses? Or have you, who can 
boast of subduing men, yielded to the oppression 
of women? Or what other deadly misfortune has 
fallen on you, that you have run so foolishly 
far astray as to lead yourself to your own destruc- 
tion?” 

The man was so confused, partly with shame, 
partly with dismay, that he stood mute in astonish- 
ment, and could find little to say in excuse. 

330 


The Knight of Justice 


“You may justly term me hapless, who am 
brought to this shame, and am to-day made the 
scorn of knighthood,” was his only answer. “But 
who can escape Fate? The work of Heaven’s will 
surpasses human thought.” 

“True,” said Sir Artegall, “but faulty men often 
attribute their own folly to Fate, and lay on 
Heaven the guilt of their own crimes. But tell 
me. Sir Terpin, — and do not let your misery daunt 
you, — how you fell into this state.” 

“Since you needs will know my shame,” said the 
knight, “and all the ill which has lately chanced 
to me, I will briefly relate it, and do not turn my 
misfortune to my blame. 

“Being desirous, as all knights are, to try deeds 
of arms through hard adventures, and to search 
for fame and honor, I heard a report that a proud 
Amazon lately bade defiance to all brave knights, 
and wrought them all the villainy her malice could 
devise, putting some to shame and many of them 
to death. 

“The cause of her hate was a Knight called 
Bellodant the bold, whom a short time ago she 
liked greatly, and tried in every way to attract; 
but finding nothing of any avail, her love turned 
to hatred, and for his sake she vowed to do all 
the ill she could to other knights — ^which vow she 
now fulfils. 

“For all those knights whom by force or guile 

331 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


she subdues she treats shamefully. First she de- 
spoils them of their armor, and clothes them in 
women’s garments; then with threats she compels 
them to work to earn their food — to spin, to card, 
to sew, to wash, to wring. She gives them 
nothing to eat but bread and water, or some such 
feeble food, to disable them and keep them from 
attempting revenge. 

“But if with manly disdain any of them with- 
stand her insolent commands, she causes them to 
be immediately hanged on that gibbet over there, 
in which condition I stood just now; for being 
conquered by her in fight, and put to the base 
service of her band, I chose rather to die than to 
live that shameful life, unworthy of a knight.” 

“What is the name of that Amazon?” asked 
Artegall. “And where, and how far hence does 
she live?” 

“Her name is called Radigund,” replied Sir 
Terpin, “a princess of great power and greater 
pride, Queen of the Amazons, well tried in arms 
and sundry battles, which she has achieved with 
great success, and which have won her much glory 
and fame.” 

“Now, by my faith,” said Sir Artegall, “I will 
not rest till I have tested her power and avenged 
the shame that she brings upon knights. There- 
fore, Sir Terpin, put from you those squalid 
clothes, the pattern of despair, and go with me, 

332 


The Knight of Justice 


that you may see and know how Fortune will re- 
pair your ruined name and knighthood.” 

Sir Terpin joyfully threw off his iron fetters, 
and eagerly prepared to guide the way to the 
dwelling of the Amazon, which was not more than 
a mile or two distant — a goodly and a mighty city, 
called after her own name, Radigone. 

On their arrival they were immediately espied 
by the watchman, who warned all the city of their 
coming. The women ran at once to put on their 
armor, swarming in a cluster like bees, and soon 
their Queen herself, looking half like a man, came 
forth into the crowd, and began to set them in 
array. 

The knights beat upon the gates to enter in; 
threatening to tear the porter, who scorned them 
for being so few, in pieces if they won the city. 
When Radigund heard them her heart was mad 
with rage. She bade her people to unbar the 
gates at once, and to make way for the knights 
with well prepared weapons. 

As soon as the gates were thrown open, the 
knights pressed forward to make an entrance,’ but 
midway they were met by a sharp shower of 
arrows, which stopped them. Then all the mob 
attacked them savagely, heaping strokes so fast 
on every side, and with such a hail of arrows, that 
the knights could not withstand them. But Radi- 
gund herself, when she espied Sir Terpin freed 
333 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


from his cruel doom, was suddenly seized with a 
fit of fury, and flying at him like a lioness, smote 
him so fiercely that he fell to the ground. Then 
she leaped to him, and placed her foot on his neck. 

When Sir Artegall saw the knight’s peril, he 
sprang at once to his rescue, and assailed Radi- 
gund with such vigor that he drove her back. For 
a moment she was stunned, but as soon as she 
collected her senses she turned on Sir Artegall, 
half mad with revengeful anger and pride, for she 
had never suffered such a rebuff. But before they 
could meet in fight, her maidens flocked round 
her and parted them, and kept them far asunder. 
But amongst the others the fight lasted till the 
evening. 

And all the while the great Iron Man sorely 
vexed the Amazons with his strange weapon, to 
which they had never been accustomed in war. 
He chased and outran them, and broke their bows, 
and spoilt their shooting, so that not one of them 
all dared to go near him. They scattered like 
sheep before a wolf, and fled before him through 
all the fields and valleys. 

When the daylight grew dim with the shadows 
of night, Radigund, with the sound of a trumpet, 
caused her people to cease fighting, and gathering 
them to the gate of the city, made them all enter, 
and had the weak and wounded conveyed in, be- 
fore she would retreat herself. 

334 


The Knight of Justice 


When the field was thus empty and all things 
quiet, Sir Artegall, weary with toil and travel, 
caused his pavilion to be richly prepared in full 
view of the city gate. He himself, together with 
Sir Terpin, rested here in safety all that night; but 
Talus was accustomed, in times of jeopardy, to 
keep a nightly watch for fear of treachery. 

Radigund, full of heart-gnawing grief for the 
rebuke she had met that day, could take no rest, 
but tossed about in her mind in what way she could 
avenge her disgrace. Then she resolved to try 
her fortune in single fight herself, rather than see 
her people destroyed, as she had seen that day. 

She called to her a trusty maid, named Clarinda, 
whom she thought fittest for the business, and said 
to her: — 

'^Go, damsel, quickly; get ready to carry the 
message which I shall give you. Go to the 
stranger Knight who yesterday drove us to such 
distress; tell him that to-morrow I will fight with 
him, and try in a fair field which is the mightier. 
But these conditions you must propose, to him 
— that if I vanquish him he shall obey my law, and 
ever be bound to do my bidding. And so will I, 
if he vanquish me, whatever he shall like to do or 
say. Go straight, and take with you as witness 
six of your companions of the highest rank; and 
carry with you wine and rich delicacies, and bid 
him eat : henceforth he shall often sit hungry.’’ 

335 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

The damsel instantly obeyed, and went forth to 
the town gate, where, sounding a trumpet loudly 
from the wall, she sent the warning to the warrior 
knights. Then Talus, issuing from the tent, took 
his way fearlessly to the wall, to know what that 
sounding of the trumpet meant, whereupon the 
damsel called to him, and explained that she 
wished to parley with his lord. 

Then he conducted them at once to his master, 
who gave them a cordial greeting, and to whom 
they told their message, word for word. Sir Arte- 
gall, gladly accepting it, entertained them with 
fitting courtesy, and gave them rich and handsome 
gifts. So they turned their steps homeward again, 
but Artegall went back to rest, that he might be 
fresher for the next day’s fight. 

Ibovv Sir Brtcgall ^Tbrcvv Bvva^ Ibis Svvorb 

As soon as day dawned, the noble warriors, 
mindful of the fight before them, duly prepared 
themselves, the Knight as beseemed a knight, and 
the Amazon in the way she liked best to dress. 

She wore a light loose robe of purple silk, woven 
with silver, quilted upon white satin, and plenti- 
fully trimmed with ribbons; not to hinder her 
movements it was tucked up to her knee, but could 
when she liked be lowered to her heel. Over that 
she wore for defence a small coat of mail. On her 
legs were painted buskins, laced with bands of 

336 


The Knight of Justice 


gold; her scimetar was lashed at her thigh with 
an embroidered belt; and on her shoulder hung 
her shield, decked with glittering stones, so that 
it shone like the full moon. 

Thus she came forth, stately and magnificent, 
from the city gate, guarded by many damsels 
who waited on her to defend her, playing on 
shahns and trumpets, the sound of which reached 
high into the heavens; and so she marched into 
the field, where there was a rich pavilion ready to 
receive her, until it was time to begin the fight. 

Then forth from his tent came Artegall, armed 
from head to foot, and first entered the lists. 
Radigund soon followed, cruel of mind, and with 
a fierce countenance, fully bent on daring the ut- 
most trial of battle. The lists were quickly shut, 
to prevent the mob from rudely pressing to the 
centre, but they circled round in huge crowds to 
see how fortune would decide the contest. 

The trumpets sounded, and the fight began — 
bitterly it began and ended. The Amazon flew at 
Sir Artegall frantic with fury, but the more she 
raged the more resolute he stood. She hewed, 
she thrust, she lashed, she laid on every side. At 
first the Knight bore her blows, and forbore to re- 
turn them; but presently in his turn he began to 
attack, and so mightily did his strokes fall on her 
steel armor that flakes of flame were seen flashing 
all around her as if she had been on fire. But 
337 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


Radigund with her shield so well warded off his 
keen weapon that she safely guarded her life, until 
at last, with one stroke of his blade, Sir Artegall 
cut away half her shield. 



This so enraged Radigund that she flew at Arte- 
gall with her sharp scimitar, like a bear on her 
prey, and wounded him badly in the thigh. 

338 



The Knight of Justice 

Thereupon she began to boast of her triumph, and 
taunt the Knight with spiteful speeches, as if she 
had already got the prize. 

Indignant at her idle vaunting. Sir Artegall 
struck at her again with such power that he shat- 
tered the other half of her shield, and then he 
smote on her helmet so that she sank senseless on 
the grassy field. 

When he saw her lying on the ground, he sprang 
toward her, and. unlaced her helmet, thinking to 
cut off her head; but when he had uncovered her 
face such a miracle of loveliness shone forth that 
he was dazzled with astonishment. His heart was 
so pierced with pity that he threw away his sharp 
sword, reviling his hand that had done injury to 
such a vision of beauty. 

Radigund meanwhile awakened from her swoon, 
and stared about her in confusion. As soon as 
she saw the Knight standing there beside her with 
no weapon in his hands, she flew at him, and 
though he kept retiring she laid on him many 
cruel strokes. The more he entreated her to stay 
her hand from vengeance, the more she increased 
her merciless attack. 

Sir Artegall could do nothing but shun her 
angry onslaught, and ward off with his shield alone 
the fierceness of her rage. He begged her to stay 
her strokes, and said that he would yield himself; 
yet she would not hearken, nor give him time to 
339 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

breathe, till he had delivered to her his shield, and 
submitted himself to her mercy in the open field. 

Thus was Sir Artegall overcome — though he 
really was not overcome, but yielded of his own 
accord. Yet he was justly doomed by his own 
judgment when he had said unwarily that he would 
be her thrall and do her service. For though he 
first gained the victory, yet afterwards, by 
abandoning his sword, he wilfully lost that which 
before he had attained. 

Then Radigund struck him with the flat of her 
sword, in token of true subjection to her power, 
and as a vassal took him to thraldom. But the 
more hapless Terpin she caused to be pinioned 
and led away to the cruel fate from which he had 
but lately been rescued. 

But when the Amazons thought to lay hands on 
Talus, he thundered amongst them with his iron 
flail, so that they were glad to let him escape, for 
the heaps of those he slew and wounded, besides 
the rest which he dismayed, were too many to 
number. But all this time he did not once at- 
tempt to rescue his own lord, for he thought it 
just to obey. 

Then Radigund took this noble Knight, left at 
her disposal by his own wilful heart, and caused 
him to be disarmed of all the knightly ornaments 
with which he had formerly won great fame. In 
place of these she had him shamefully dressed in 

340 


The Knight of Justice 


women’s clothes, and put on him a white apron 
instead of a cuirass. 

Thus clad, she brought him from the battlefield 
into a long, large chamber, decked with memorials 
of the ruin of many knights whom she had sub- 
dued; amongst these she caused his armor to be 
hung on high, to betray his shame, and she broke 
his sword for fear of further harm. 

Entering, he saw round about him many brave 
knights whose names he knew full well, who were 
there bound to obey the Amazon’s arrogant law, 
all spinning and carding in an orderly row, so that 
Sir Artegall’s brave heart loathed the unseemly 
sight. But the captive knights were forced 
through hunger and want of food to do the work 
appointed them, for nothing was given them to 
eat or drink, but what their hands could earn by 
twisting linen twine. 

Radigund placed Sir Artegall the lowest among 
them all, and gave a distaff into his hand, that he 
should spin thereon flax and tow — a sordid offence 
for so grave a mind; thus hard is it to be the slave 
of a woman ! 

Yet Sir Artegall took it even in his own despite, 
and obeyed her without murmuring, since he had 
plighted his faith to become her vassal, if she won 
him in fight. 


341 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


^be Moude of (Buile 

Thus for a long while Sir Artegall continued 
obediently serving proud Radigund, however 
much it galled his noble heart to obey the dictates 
of a tyrannous woman. Having chosen his lot, 
he could not now change. 

As the days went by, the Amazon Queen began 
to have a great liking for her strange captive, but 
for a long time she kept this carefully concealed, 
for her pride would not allow her to own to such 
a feeling for her lowly vassal. At last, when she 
could bear it no longer, she sent for her trusted 
maid, Clarinda, and told her to devise some means 
by which to discover whether there were any 
chance of Sir Artegall’s loving her, if she gave him 
his liberty. Clarinda promised to do her best, and 
tried by 'all the means in her power to win favor 
with the Knight, but the more she saw of him the 
better she liked him herself, so she ended by being 
false both to her mistress and to Sir Artegall. To 
the Queen she pretended that Sir Artegall was very 
stern and obstinate, and scorned all her offers of 
kindness and gentle treatment; and to the Knight 
she declared that she had earnestly besought 
Radigund to grant him freedom, but the Queen 
would by no means be persuaded, and had ordered 
instead that he should be more harshly treated 
and laden with iron chains. This command, how- 
342 


The Knight of Justice 


ever, Clarinda said she would not carry out, be- 
cause of her own regard for the Knight, and she 
further promised that if she found favor in his 
sight she would devise some means of setting him 
free. 

Sir Artegall, glad to gain his liberty, answered 
her civilly, but determined in his heart that 
nothing should make him forsake his own true 
love, Britomart. Deceitful Clarinda really had not 
the least intention of freeing him from bondage, 
but considered rather how she might keep him 
more securely. Therefore, every day she told her 
mistress that the Knight spurned her offers of 
good-will, and Sir Artegall she told that the Queen 
refused him his freedom. Yet in order to win his 
affection, she showed him this much friendship, 
that his scanty fare was improved, and his work 
lessened. 

Thus for a long while Sir Artegall remained 
there in thraldom. 

Britomart, meanwhile, waited and longed for 
news of her absent lord, and when the utmost date 
assigned for his return had passed, a thousand 
fears assailed her doubting mind. Sometimes she 
feared lest a terrible misfortune had befallen him; 
sometimes lest his false foe had entrapped him in 
a snare; at other times a jealous fear troubled her 
that perhaps Sir Artegall had forgotten -her, and 
found some other lady whom he loved better. 
343 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

Yet she was loth to think so ill of him as this. 
One moment she blamed herself; another, con- 
demned him as faithless and untrue; then, trying 
to cheat her grief, she pretended she had reckoned 
the time wrong, and began to count it all over a 
different way. 

When months went on,, and still he never came 
back, she thought of sending someone to seek 
him, but could find no one so fitting to do this 
as her own self. 

One day, unable to rest quietly in any place, she 
came to a window opening to the west, which was 
the way Sir Artegall had gone. There, looking 
forth, she felt many vain fancies disquiet her, and 
sent her winged thoughts swifter than wind to 
carry her heart’s message to her love. As she 
looked long, she spied some one coming hastily 
toward her. Then she knew well before she saw 
him plainly, that it was some one sent from Sir 
Artegall; and as he drew near, she found it was his 
servant. Talus. Filled with hope and dread, she 
ran to meet him, exclaiming: — 

‘^And where is he, thy lord, and how far hence? 
Tell me at once. And has he lost or won?” 

Then Talus told the whole story of Sir Arte- 
gall’s captivity. 

Britomart listened bravely to the end, and then 
a sudden fit of wrath and grief seized her. With- 
out waiting to make any answer, she got ready at 
344 


The Knight of Justice 

once, donned her armor, and mounting her steed, 
bade Talus guide her on. 

So she rode forth to seek her Knight; sadly 
she rode, speaking no word, good or bad, and look- 
ing neither to the right or left. Her heart burned 
with rage to punish the pride of that woman who 
had pent her lord in a base prison, and had tarn- 
ished his great honor with such infamous disgrace. 

Thus riding, she chanced to meet toward even- 
ing a knight strolling on the plain as if to refresh 
himself. He seemed well on in years, and inclined 
rather to peace than to needless trouble, his 
raiment and his modest bearing both showing that 
he meant no evil. Coming near, he began to 
salute Britomart in the most courteous fashion. 
Though the Princess would rather have remained 
mute than joined in commonplace conversation, 
yet sooner than despise such kindness she set her 
own wishes aside, and so returned his greeting in 
due form. Then the other began to chat further 
about things in general, and asked many questions, 
to which she gave careless answer. For she had 
little desire to talk about anything, or to hear 
about anything, however delightful; her mind was 
wholly possessed by one thought, and there was 
no place for any other. 

When the stranger observed this, he no longer 
forced her to talk unwillingly, but begged her to 
favor him, since the skies were growing dark and 
345 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


wet, by lodging with him that night, unless good 
cause forbade it. Britomart, seeing night was at 
hand, was glad to yield to his kind request, and 
went with him without any objection. 

His dwelling was not far away, and soon arriv- 
ing, they were received in the most gracious and 
befitting manner, for their host gave them excel- 
lent good cheer, and talked of pleasant things to 
entertain them. Thus the evening passed pleas- 
antly, till the time came for rest. Then Britomart 
was brought to her bower, where attendants waited 
to help her to undress. But she would not for any- 
thing take off her armor, although her host warmly 
besought her; for she had vowed, she said, not to 
lay aside this warrior garb till she had wrought 
revenge on a mortal foe for a recent wrong; which 
she would surely perform, let weal or woe betide 
her. 

When her host perceived this, he grew very dis- 
contented, for he was afraid lest he should now 
miss his purpose; but taking leave of her, he de- 
parted. 

Britomart remained all night restless and com- 
fortless, with deeply grieved heart, not allowing 
the least twinkle of sleep to refresh her. In sor- 
rowful thoughts she wore away the weary hours, 
now walking softly about, now sitting still, up- 
right. Neither did Talus let sleep close his eye- 
lids, but kept continual guard, lying in much dis- 

346 


The Knight of Justice 


comfort outside her door, like a spaniel, watching 
carefully lest any one should by treachery betray 
his lady. 

Just at cock-crow Britoniart heard a strange 
noise in the hall below, and suddenly the bed, on 
which she might have been lying, by a false trap 
was let to fall down into a lower room; then imme- 
diately the floor was raised again, so that no one 
could spy the trap. 

At the sight of this Britomart was sorely dis- 
mayed, plainly perceiving the treason which was 
intended; yet she did not stir, but courageously 
kept her place, waiting what would follow. 

It was not long before she heard the sound of 
armed men coming toward her chamber, at which 
dreadful peril she quickly caught her sword, and 
bound her shield about her. As she did so, there 
came to her door two knights, all armed ready 
to fight, and after them a rascally mob, rudely 
equipped with weapons. 

As soon as Talus spied them he started up from 
where he lay on the ground, and caught his 
thresher ready in his hand. They immediately 
let drive at him, and pressed round in riotous 
array, but as soon as he began to lay about 
with his iron Hail, they turned and fled, both 
the armed knights and the unarmed crowd. 
Talus pursued them wherever he could spy them 
in the dark, then, returning to Britomart, told 
347 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

her the story of the fray, and all the treason that 
was intended. 

Though greatly enraged, and inwardly burning 
to be avenged for such an infamous deed, Brito- 
mart was compelled to wait for daylight. She 
therefore remained in her chamber, but kept wary 
heed, in case of any further treachery. 

The cause of this evil behavior was unknown to 
Britomart, but this is how it was : 

The master of the house was called Dolon, 
Guile, a subtle and wicked man. In his youth he 
had been a knight, and borne arms, but gained 
little good and less honor by that warlike kind of 
life; for he was not in the least valorous, but with 
sly shifts and wiles got the better of all noble and 
daring knights, and brought many to shame 
by treachery. 

He had three sons, all three like their father 
treacherous, and full of fraud and guile. The 
eldest, named Guizor, had, through his own guilty 
cunning, been slain by Artegall, and to avenge 
him, Dolon, with his other two sons, had lately 
devised many vile plots. He imagined by several 
tokens that his present guest was Artegall, but 
chiefly on account of the Iron Man who was always 
accustomed to remain with Artegall. Dolon, 
therefore, meant surely to have slain the Knight, 
but by the grace of Heaven and her own good 
heed, Britomart was preserved from the traitor, 

348 


The Knight of Justice 


The next morning, as soon as it was dawn, she 
came forth from the hateful chamber, fully intend- 
ing to punish the villain and all his family. But 
coming down to seek them where they dwelt, she 
could not see father, nor sons, nor any one. She 
sought in each room, but found them all empty; 
every one had fled in fear, but whither neither she 
nor Talus knew. 

She saw it was in vain to stay there longer, so 
took her steed, and lightly mounting, started again 
on her former way. She had not ridden the dis- 
tance of an arrow’s flight before she saw in front of 
her the two false brethren on the perilous Bridge, 
where Sir Artegall had fought with the Saracen. 
The passage was narrow, like a ploughed ridge, so 
that if two met, one must needs fall over the 
edge. 

There they thought to wreak their wrath on 
her, and began to reproach her bitterly, accusing 
her of murdering Guizor by cunning. Britomart 
did not know what they meant, but she went for- 
ward without pausing till she came to the perilous 
Bridge. There Talus wanted to prepare the way 
for her, and scare off the two villains, but her eyes 
sparkled with anger at the suggestion. Not 
staying to consider which way to take, she put 
spurs to. her fiery steed, and making her way 
between them, she drove one brother at the 
point of her spear to the end of the Bridge, and 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

hurled the other brother over the side of it into 
the river. 

Thus the Warrior Princess slew the two wicked 
sons of Goodman Guile. 

Zbc JSattle ot Queen IRaMsunD an& JBritomart 

That night Britomart spent in the great Temple 
of Isis, which was dedicated in days of old to the 
worship of Justice. Here in her sleep she had a 
wondrous vision, which at first filled her with 
dread. But when she described it next morning 
to the priests in the Temple, they told her that 
her dream had a good meaning, and that every- 
thing would end well. Greatly relieved to hear 
this, she bestowed rich rewards on the priests, and 
made royal gifts of gold and silver to the Temple. 
Then taking leave of them, she went forward to 
seek her love, never resting and never relenting 
till she came to the land of the Amazons. 

When news of her approach was brought to 
Radigund she was filled with courage and glee in- 
stead of being dismayed. Glad to hear of fighting, 
of which she had now had none for a long time, she 
bade them open the gates boldly, so that she might 
see the face of her new foe; but when they told her 
of the Iron Man who had lately slain her people, 
she bade them hold them shut. 

So there outside the gate, as seemed best, her 
pavilion was pitched, in which brave Britomart 

350 


The Knight of Justice 


rested herself, while Talus watched at her door 
all night. All night, likewise, those of the town, 
in terror, kept good watch and ward upon their 
wall. 

The next morning, as soon as it was dawn, the 
warlike Amazon peeped out of her bower, and 
caused a shrill trumpet to sound to warn her foe 
to hasten to the battle. Britomart, who had long 
been awake and arrayed for contest, immediately 
stepped haughtily from the pavilion, ready for 
the fight, and on the other side her foe soon 
appeared. 

But before they lifted hand, Radigund began 
to propound the strict conditions with which she 
always fettered her foes — that Britomart should 
serve her as she had bound the rest to do. At 
this, Britomart frowned sternly, in disdain of such 
indignity, and would no longer parley, but bade 
them sound the advance, for she would be tied by 
no other terms than those prescribed by the laws 
of chivalry. 

The trumpets sounded, and they rushed to- 
gether with greedy rage, smiting with their -fal- 
chions: neither sought to shun the other’s stroke, 
but both savagely hacked and hewed, furious as 
a tiger and a lioness fighting over the same prey. 
So long they fought that all the grassy floor was 
trampled with blood. At last Radigund, having 
espied some near advantage, let drive at Brito- 
351 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


mart with all her might, thus taunting her with 
savage scorn: — 

‘'Bear this token to the man whom you love so 
dearly, and tell him you gave your life for his 
sake !” 

The cruel stroke glanced on Britomart’s 
shoulder plate, and bit to the bone, so that she 
could hardly hold up her shield for the smart of 
it. Yet she soon avenged it, for the furious pain 
gave her fresh force, and she smote Radigund so 
rudely on the helmet that it pierced to the very 
brain, and felled her to the ground, where with 
one stroke Britomart killed her. 

When Radigund’s warrior band saw this dread- 
ful sight they all fled into the town, and left Brito- 
mart sole victor. But they could not retreat so 
fast but that Talus could overtake the foremost. 
Pressing through the mob to the gate, he entered 
in with them, and then began a piteous slaughter; 
for all who came within reach of his iron flail were 
soon beyond the skill of any doctor. 

Then the noble Conqueror herself came in, and 
though she had sworn a vow of revenge, yet when 
she saw the heaps of dead bodies slain by Talus, 
her heart was torn with pity, and she bade him 
slack his fury. Having thus stayed the massacre, 
she inquired for the iron prison where her love lay 
captive. Breaking it open with indignant rage, 
she entered and went all over it. When she saw 

352 



*‘trbcncc tortb unto tbe 5bole tbes bet brought ; 

• • • • • • 

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Iber wanb bib move with amiable looRe, 
JBu outwarb abew bet inwatb aenae bealflnmg/' 


rf 




The Knight of Justice 

the strange and horrible sight of the men dressed 
np in womanish garb, her heart groaned with 
compassion for such unmanly and disgraceful 
misery. 

When at last she came to her own Knight, 
whom the like disguise had no less disfigured, 
abashed with shame she turned aside her head, and 
then with pity and tender words she tried to com- 
fort him. She caused the unsightly garments to 
be immediately taken off, and in their stead sought 
for other raiment, of which there was great store, 
as well as bright armor reft from many a noble 
knight whom the proud Amazon had subdued. 
When Sir Artegall was clad anew in this apparel 
Britomart’s spirits revived, and she rejoiced in his 
gallant appearance. 

They remained for a while in the city of Queen 
Radigund, so that Sir Artegall might recover his 
strength, and Britomart be healed of her wounds. 
During this time Britomart reigned as a Princess, 
and changed all the order of government. The 
women were deposed from the rule which they had 
usurped, and true justice was dealt them, so that, 
looking upon Britomart as a goddess, they all ad- 
mired her wisdom and listened to her teaching. 
All those knights who had long been held in cap- 
tivity, she freed from thraldom, and made magis- 
trates of the city, giving them great wealth and 
authority. And in order that they should always 
355 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

remain faithful, she made them swear fealty to 
Artegall. 

As the latter Knight was now fully recovered, 
he proposed to proceed upon the first adventure 
which had called him forth, the release of the Lady 
Irene. from the villain Grantorto. Very sad and 
sorrowful was Britomart at his departure, yet she 
wisely moderated her own grief, seeing that his 
honor, which she put above all things, was much 
concerned in carrying out that adventure. For a 
little while after he had gone she remained there 
in the city, but finding her misery increase with 
his absence, and thinking that change of air and 
place would somewhat ease her sorrow, she, too, 
departed, hoping to appease her anguish in travel. 

CTbe Bbvcnturc of tbe ©amsel, tbc flwo IRntgbta, anb 
tbe Sultan's Iborscs 

As Sir Artegall rode forth on his way, accom- 
panied only by Talus, he saw far off a damsel on a 
paJjfrey flying fast in terror before two knights, 
who pursued her. These in turn were themselves 
pursued by another knight, who pricked after them 
with all his might, his spear ready leveled. At 
length the latter overtook the hindmost of the 
two knights, and compelled him to turn and face 
him; but the other still pursued the maid, who 
flew as fast in front of him, and never stopped till 
she saw Sir Artegall. To him she ran at once, in 

356 


The Knight of Justice 


glad haste, hoping to get help against her enemy; 
and Artegall, seeing her approach, went forward 
to relieve her fear, and to prevent her foe from 
harming her. 

But the pursuing knight, greedy as a hound 
after his prey, still continued his course, thinking 
to overthrow Sir Artegall with his spear. Thu? 
alike sternly resolved they met fiercely. But Arte- 
gall was the stronger, and better skilled in tilt and 
tournament, and he hurled the other out of hi? 
saddle quite two spears’ lengths. The Pagan 
knight, unluckily for himself, pitched on his head, 
broke his neck, and was killed on the spot. 

Meanwhile the third knight had defeated and 
slain the second of the villains, and leaving him 
there dead, he rode to overtake the other. 
Instead, he found Sir Artegall, and not knowing 
he was also on the side of the damsel, he ran 
at him without thinking; and the latter, seeing 
him approach so fiercely, made against him again. 
So they met, and struck strongly, and broke their 
spears; yet neither was dismounted, though they 
both shook to and fro, and tottered like two 
towers quaking in a tempest. 

But when they had recovered their senses they 
drew their swords, meaning to make amends with 
them where their spears had failed. When the 
damsel, who had seen the end of both her foes, now 
beheld her friends beginning for her sake a more 
357 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

fearful fray, she ran to them in haste, crying to 
them to stay their cruel hands until they both 
heard what she had to say to them. 

“Ah, gentle knights,” she cried, “why do you 
thus unwisely wreak on yourselves another’s 
wrong? I am the injured one whom both of you 
have aided. Witness the two Pagan knights 
whom ye may see dead on the ground! What 
more revenge, therefore, do you desire? If more, 
then I am she who was the root of all. End your 
revenge on me.” 

When they heard her speak thus, and saw that 
their foes were indeed dead, they immediately 
stayed their hands, and lifted up their vizors to 
look at each other; and then Sir Artegall saw that 
his adversary was none other than Prince Arthur 
himself. 

Filled with admiration for his gallant and noble 
bearing, and touched with the deepest afifection, 
he drew near, and prayed pardon for having un- 
knowingly wronged him, ofifering to yield himself 
to the Prince forever, or to any penance he chose 
to inflict. 

To whom the Prince replied: — 

“Truly, I need more to crave the same pardon 
for having been so misled by error as to mistake 
you for the dead man. But since it pleases you that 
both our faults shall be forgotten, amends can soon 
be made, since neither is much damaged thereby.” 

358 


The Knight of Justice 


Thus their perfect friendship was easily restored, 
and they embraced lovingly, each swearing faith- 
fully on his blade never thenceforth to nourish 
enmity against the other, but always mutually to 
maintain each other’s cause. 

Then they called the damsel, and asked her who 
she was, and who the two foes were from whom 
she was flying so fast, and why she was pursued 
by them. 

The maiden, whose name was Samient, replied 
that she was in the service of a great and mighty 
queen called Mercilla, a Princess of great power 
and majesty. She was known above all for her 
bounty and sovereign grace, with which she sup- 
ported her royal crown, and strongly beat down 
the malice of her foes, who envied her, and fretted, 
and frowned at her happiness. In spite of them 
she grew greater and greater, and even to her 
foes her mercies increased. 

Among the many who maligned her was a 
mighty man dwelling near, who, with cruel spite 
and hatred, did all in his power to undermine her 
crown and dignity. Her good knights, of whom 
she had as brave a band as any Princess on earth, 
he either destroyed, if they stood against him, or 
else tried to bribe slyly to take his part. And not 
content with this, he was always trying by treach- 
erous plots to kill Queen Mercilla. 

‘‘He is provoked to all this tyranny, they say, 

359 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

by his bad wife, Adicia,” continued Samient, ‘‘who 
counsels him, because of his strength, to break all 
bonds of law and rule of right; for she professes 
herself a mortal foe to justice, and always fights 
against it, working deadly woe to all who love it, 
and making her knights and people do so likewise. 

“My liege lady, seeing this, thought it best to 
deal with Adicia in a friendly fashion, in order to 
put an end to strife, and to establish rest both for 
herself and her people. She therefore sent me on 
a message to treat with her, by way of negotiation, 
as to some final peace and fair arrangement, 
which might be concluded by mutual consent. 

“At all times it is customary to afford safe 
passage to messengers who come on a just cause, 
but this proud dame, disdaining all such rules, not 
only burst into bitter words, reviling and railing at 
me as she chose, but actually thrust me like a dog 
out of doors, miscalling me by many a bitter name, 
who never did any ill to her. Then lastly she sent 
those two knights after me to work me further 
mischief, but thanks to Heaven and your valor, 
they have paid the price of their own folly.’^ 

So said the damsel, and showed herself most 
grateful to Prince Arthur and Sir Artegall for 
their aid. 

The Knights, having heard of all the wrongs 
done by the proud dame Adicia, were very indig- 
nant, and eagerly desired to punish her and her 
360 


The Knight of Justice 


husband, the Sultan. But thinking to carry out 
their design more easily by a counterfeit disguise, 
they arranged this plot: first, that Sir Artegall 
should array himself like one of the two dead 
knights, then that he should convey the damsel 
Samient as his prize to the Sultan’s court, to pre- 
sent her to the scornful lady, who had sent for her. 

This was accordingly done. 

Directly the Sultan’s wife saw them, as she lay 
looking out of the window, she thought it was 
the Pagan knight with her prey, and sent a page 
to direct him where to go. Taking them to the 
appointed place, the page offered his service to 
disarm the Knight, but Sir Artegall refused to 
take off his armor, fearing to be discovered. 

Soon after. Prince Arthur arrived and sent a 
bold defiance to the Sultan, requiring of him the 
damsel whom he held as a wrongful prisoner. The 
Sultan, filled with fury, swearing and raging, com- 
manded his armor to be brought at once, and 
mounted straight upon a high chariot, armed with 
iron wheels and hooks, and drawn by cruel steeds, 
whom he fed with the flesh of slaughtered men. 

Thus he came forth, clad in a coat of mail, all 
red with rust. The Prince waited ready for him in 
glistening armor, right goodly to see, that shone 
like the sun. By the stirrup Talus attended, 
playing his page’s part, as his master had directed. 

So they went forth to battle, both alike fierce, 
361 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

but with different motives. For the proud and 
presumptuous Sultan, with insolent bearing, 
sought only slaughter and revenge; but the brave 
Prince fought for right and honor against lawless 
tyranny, on behalf of wronged weakness, trusting 
more to the truth of his cause than in his own 
strength. 

The Sultan in his folly thought either to hew 
the Prince in pieces with his sharp wheels, or to 
bear him down under his fierce horses’ feet, and 
trample him in the dust. But the bold Knight, 
well spying that peril if he came too near the 
chariot, kept out of the way of the flying horses. 
Yet as he passed by, the Pagan threw a dart with 
such force that, had he not shunned it heedfully, 
it would have transfixed either himself or his 
horse. Often Prince Arthur came near, hoping 
to aim some stroke at him, but the Sultan was 
mounted so high in his chariot, and his wing-footed 
coursers bore him so fast away, that before the 
Prince could advance his spear, he was past and 
gone; yet still he followed him everywhere, and in 
turn was followed by him. 

Again the Pagan threw another dart, which 
guided by some bad spirit, glided through Prince 
Arthur’s cuirass, and made a grisly wound in his 
side. Furious as a raging lion, the Prince sought 
to get at his foe; but whenever he approached, the 
chariot wheels whirled round him, and made him 
362 


The Knight of Justice 



ily back again as fast; and the Sultan’s horses, like 
hungry hounds hunting after game, so cruelly 
chased and pursued him that his own good steed, 
although renowned for courage and hardy race. 


dared not endure the sight of them, but lied from 
place to place. 

Thus for a long while they rushed to and fro, 
seeking in every way to find some opening for 

363 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


attack; but the Prince could never get near 
enough for one sure stroke. Then at last from 
his victorious shield he drew the veil which hid its 
magic light, and coming full before the horses as 
they pressed upon him, flashed it in their eyes. 

Like the lightning which burns the gazer, so did 
the sight of the shield dismay their senses, so that 
they turned back upon themselves and ran away 
with their driver. Nor could the Sultan stay their 
flight with reins or accustomed rule, as he well 
knew how; they did not fear him in the least — 
their only fear was that from which they fled dis- 
mayed, like terrified deer. Fast as their feet 
could bear them they flew over hill and dale. 
In vain the Pagan swore and railed, and pulled 
with both hands at the reins; he called and spoke 
to them, but nothing availed. They heard him 
not, they forgot his training, they went which way 
they chose, heedless of their guide. Through 
woods and rocks and mountains they drew the iron 
chariot, and the wheels tore the Sultan, and tossed 
him here and there from side to side, crying in 
vain to those who would not hear his crying. 

And all the while Prince Arthur pursued closely 
behind, but could find no safe means of smiting his 
foe. 

At last the horses overthrew the chariot, which 
was turned topsy-turvy, and the iron hooks and 
sharp knives caught hold of the Sultan and tore 

364 


The Knight of Justice 


him all to rags. Nothing was left of him but some 
bits of his battered and broken shield and armor. 
These Prince Arthur gathered up and took with 
him that they might remain as a token, whenever 
the tale was told, of how worthily that day, by 
Heaven’s decree, justice had avenged herself of 
wrong, so that all men might take warning by the 
example. 

Therefore, on a tree in front of the tyrant’s door, 
he caused them to be hung in the sight of all men, 
to be a memorial forever. 

When the Lady Adicia from the castle height 
beheld them she was appalled, but instead of 
being overcome with fright, as another woman 
might have been, she immediately began to devise 
how to be revenged. 

Knife in hand, she ran down, vowing to wreak 
her vengeance on the maiden messenger whom she 
had ordered to be kept prisoner by Sir Artegall, 
mistaking him* for her own knight; and coming 
into her presence she ran at her with all her 
might. But Artegall, being aware thereof, stayed 
her cruel hand before it reached Samient, and 
caught the weapon from her. Thereupon, like one 
distracted, she rushed forth, wherever her rage 
bore her, frantic with passion. Breaking out at a 
postern door, she ran into the wild wood, where, 
it is said, on account of her malice and cruelty, she 
was transformed into a tiger. 

365 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

Zbc BDventure at tbe 2)cn of Deceit 

After the defeat of the Sultan and the flight of 
his wicked wife, Prince Arthur and Sir Artegall 
wished to hand over the place and all its wealth 
to Samient to hold for her lady, while they de- 
parted on their quest. But the maiden begged 
them so earnestly to go with them to see Queen 
Mercilla that at last they consented. 

On the way she told them of a strange thing 
near at hand — to wit, a wicked villain who dwelt 
in a rock not far off, and who robbed all the 
country round, and took the pillage home. In this 
his own wily wit, and also the security of his 
dwelling-place, both of which were unassailable, 
were of great assistance. For he was so crafty 
both to invent and execute, so light of hand and 
nimble of foot, so smooth of tongue and subtle in 
his tale, that any one looking at him might well 
be taken in. Therefore he was called Deceit. 

He was well known for his achievements, and by 
his tricks had brought many to ruin. The rock, 
also, where he dwelt was wondrous strong, and 
hewn a dreadful depth far under ground. Within, 
it was full of winding and hidden passages, so that 
no one could find his way back who once went 
amiss. 

The Knights, hearing this, longed to see where 
the villain lurked, and bade Samient guide them 
366 


The Knight of Justice 


to the place. As they came near, they agreed 
that the best plan would be for the damsel to 
go on in front, and sit alone near the den, wail- 
ing and raising a pitiful uproar. When the wretch 
issued forth, hoping to find some spoil, they, lying 
in wait, would closely ensnare him before he could 
retreat to his den, and thus they hoped to foil him 
easily. 

Samient immediately did as she was directed, and 
the noise of her weeping speedily brought forth 
the villain, as they had intended. 

He was as dreadful a creature as ever walked 
on earth, with hollow, deeply set eyes, and long 
shaggy locks straggling down his shoulders. He 
wore strange garments all in rags and tatters, and 
in his hand he held a huge, long staff, the top of 
which was armed with many iron hooks, to catch 
hold of everything that came within reach of his 
clutches, and he kept casting looks around in all 
directions. At his back he bore a great wide net, 
with which he seldom fished in the water, but 
which he used to fish for silly folk on the dry 
shore, and in fair weather he caught many. 

When Samient saw close beside her such an 
ugly creature she was really frightened, and now 
in earnest cried aloud for help. But when the 
villain saw her so afraid, he tried guilefully to per- 
suade her to banish fear; smiling sardonically on 
her, he diverted her mind by talking pleasantly 

367 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


and showing her some amusing tricks, for he was 
an adept at jugglery and conjuring feats. Whilst 
her attention was engaged, he suddenly threw his 
net over her like a puff of wind, and snatching her 
up before she was well aware, ran with her to his 
cave. But when he came near and saw the armed 
Knights stopping his passage, he flung down his 
burden and fled fast away. 

Sir Artegall pursued him, while Prince Arthur 
still kept guard at the entrance of the den. Up to 
the rock ran Deceit, like a wild goat, leaping from 
hill to hill, and dancing on the very edge of the 
craggy cliffs. It was useless for the armed Knight 
to think of following him, but he sent his Iron 
Man after him, for Talus was swift in chase. 

Then wherever Deceit went Talus pursued him, 
so that he soon forced him to forsake the heights 
and descend to the low ground. Now Deceit tried 
a new plan : he suddenly changed his form. First 
he turned himself into a fox, but Talus still hunted 
him as a fox; then he transformed himself to a 
bush, but Talus beat the bush till at last it changed 
into a bird, and passed from him, flying from tree 
to tree and from reed to reed; but Talus threw 
stones at the bird, so that presently it changed 
itself into a stone, and dropped to the ground; 
whereupon Talus took the stone up in his hand and 
brought it to the Knights, and gave it to Sir Arte- 
gall, warning him to hold it fast for fear of tricks. 
368 



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The Knight of Justice 


While the Knight seized it in a tight grip, the 
stone went unawares into a hedgehog, and pricked 
him, so that he threw it away; then it began to 
run off quickly, returning to Deceit’s own shape; 
but Talus soon overtook him and brought him 
back. 

But when he would have changed himself into 
a serpent. Talus drove at him with his iron flail, and 
thrashed him so that he died. So that was the end 
of Deceit, the self-deceiver. 

Leaving his dead body where it fell, the two 
Knights went on with the maiden to see her Lady, 
as they had agreed. Presently they beheld a 
stately palace, mounted high with terraces and 
towers, and all the tops were glittering with gold, 
which seemed to outshine the sky, and with their 
brightness dazzled the eyes of strangers. There 
alighting, they were directed in by Samient, and 
shown all that was to be seen. The magnificent 
porch stood open wide to all men, day and night; 
yet it was well guarded by a man of great strength, 
like a giant, who sat there to keep out guile and 
malice and spite, which often under a feigned 
semblance work much mischief in Princes’ courts. 
His name was Awe. 

Passing by him they went up the hall, which was 
a wide large room filled with people, making a 
great din. In the thickest of the press the marshal 
of the hall, whose name was Order, came to them, 

371 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


and commanding peace, guided them througli the 
throng. All ceased their clamor to gaze at the 
Knights, half terrified at their shining armor, 
which was a strange sight to them; for they never 
saw such array there, nor was the name of war 
ever spoken, but all was joyous peace and quiet- 
ness and just government. 

So by degrees they were guided into the pres- 
ence of the Queen. She sat high up, on a throne 
of bright and shining gold, adorned with priceless 
gems. All over her was spread a canopy of state, 
glittering and gleaming like a cloud of gold and 
silver, upheld by the rainbow-colored wings of 
little cherubs. Thus she sat in sovereign majesty, 
holding a sceptre in her royal hand, the sacred 
pledge of peace and clemency. At her feet lay her 
sword, the bright steel brand rusted from long 
rest, yet when foes forced it, or friends sought aid, 
she could draw it sternly to dismay the world. 
Round about her sat a bevy of fair maidens, clad in 
white, while underneath her feet lay a great huge 
lion, like a captive thrall, bound with a strong iron 
chain and collar. 

Now at the instant when the two stranger 
Knights came into the presence of the Queen, 
she was holding, as it happened, a great and im- 
portant trial. Having acknowledged their obeis- 
ance with royal courtesy, she gave orders to pro- 
ceed with the trial; and wishing that the Knights 

372 


The Knight of Justice 

should see and understand all that was going on, 
she bade them both mount up to her stately 
throne, and placed one on each side of her. 

Then there was brought forward as prisoner a 
lady of great beauty -and high position, but who 
had blotted all her honor and titles of nobility by 
her wicked behavior. This was no other than the 
false Duessa, who had wrought so much mis- 
chief by her malice and cunning. Seeing the 
piteous plight in which she now stood. Prince 
Arthur’s tender heart was touched with compas- 
sion; but when he heard the long roll of her crimes 
read forth, he could no longer wish that she should 
escape punishment. Sir Artegall, for the sake of 
justice, was against her, and she was judged guilty 
by all. Then they called loudly to the Queen to 
pronounce sentence. Mercilla was deeply moved 
at the sight of Duessa’s wretched plight, and even 
then would gladly have pardoned her; but in order 
to save her land from further evil, which would 
grow if not checked, she was obliged to keep to 
the stern law of justice. Melting to tears, she 
suddenly left her throne, unable to speak the words 
that doomed the prisoner to death; and she never 
ceased to lament with bitter remorse the fate which 
the wretched Duessa had brought on herself. 


373 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


tibe Bbventure of tbc fTjjrant ©rantocto 

While Prince Arthur and Sir Artegall were 
staying at the court of Queen Mercilla, there came 
one day two noble youths to implore aid for their 
mother, for their father was dead. A cruel tyrant, 
the son of a giant, had ravaged all her land, setting 
up an idol of his own, and giving her dear children 
one by one to be devoured by a horrible monster. 
Prince Arthur, seeing that none of the other 
Knights were eager for this adventure, boldly 
stepped forward, and begged the Queen to let him 
undertake it. She gladly granted permission, and 
the following morning he started on his journey. 
In due course he reached the land which had been 
laid waste, fought with the tyrant, and overcame 
him, slew the vile monster, and restored the lady 
to her rightful possessions. 

Sir Artegall, meanwhile, had started again on 
his first quest, which was to set free the Lady 
Irene and punish Grantorto. He fared forward 
through many perils, with Talus, as usual, his only 
attendant, till he" came at length near the appointed 
place. 

There, as he traveled, he met an old and soli- 
tary wayfarer, whom he knew at once as the at- 
tendant of Irene, when she came in sorrow to the 
court of the Faerie Queene to entreat protection. 
Saluting him by name. Sir Artegall inquired for 
374 


The Knight of Justice 


news of his Lady, whether she were still alive, and 
if so why he had left her. To which the aged 
knight replied that she lived and was well, but had 
been seized by treachery and imprisoned by the 
tyrant Grantorto, who had often sought her life. 
And now he had fixed a day on which, if no cham- 
pion appeared to do battle for her and prove her 
innocent of those crimes of which she was accused, 
she should surely suffer death. 

Sir Artegall was much cast down to hear these 
sad tidings, and sorely grieved that it was owing 
to his own long delay in captivity that the mis- 
fortune had happened. 

'‘Tell me. Sir Sergis,’’ he said, "how long a space 
hath he lent Jier to provide a champion?” 

"Ten days he has granted as a favor,” was the 
answer; "for he knows well that before that date 
no one can have tidings to help her. For all the 
shores far and wide which border on the sea, he 
guards night and day, so that no one could land 
without an army. Already he considers her as 
good as dead.” 

"Now turn again,” said Sir Artegall; "for if I 
live till those ten days are ended, be assured. Sir 
Knight, she shall have aid, though I spend my life 
for her.” 

So he went back at once with Sir Sergis. 

Then as they rode together they saw in front of 
them a confused crowd of people, rudely chasing 
375 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


to and fro a hapless knight, who was in much 
danger from their rough handling. Some dis- 
tance away, standing helpless in the midst of the 
mob, they spied a lady, crying and holding up 
her hands to him for aid. Sir Artegall and Talus 
put to flight the rascally rout who were assailing 
the knight, and then inquired of him the cause of 
his misadventure. He replied that his name was 
Burbon, and that he had been well known and far 
renowned till mischief had fallen on him and tarn- 
ished his former fame. The lady was his own love, 
whom the tyrant Grantorto had tried to bribe from 
him with rich gifts and deceitful words, and now 
he had sent a troop of villains to snatch her away 
by open force. Burbon had for a long time vainly 
tried to rescue her, but was overcome by the multi- 
tude of his assailants. 

“But why have you forsaken your own good 
shield?” said Artegall. “This is the greatest shame 
that can happen to any knight, to lose the badge 
that should display his deeds.” 

“That I will explain to you, lest you blame me 
for it, and think it was done willingly, whereas it 
was a matter of necessity,” said Sir Burbon, blush- 
ing half for shame. “It is true that I was at first 
dubbed knight by a good Knight — the Knight of 
the Red Cross — who, when he gave me arms to 
fight in battle, gave me a shield on which he traced 
his dear Redeemer’s badge. That same I bore 

376 


The Knight of Justice 


for a long time, and with it fought many battles, 
without wound or loss. With it I appalled Gran- 
torto himself, and oftentimes made him fall in field 
before me. But because many envied that shield, 
and cruel foes greatly increased, to stop all strife 
and troublous enmity I laid aside the battered 
scutcheon, and have lately gone without it, hoping 
thereby to obtain my lady; nevertheless I cannot 
have her, for she is still detained from me by force, 
and is perverted from truth by bribery.” 

‘Truly, Sir Knight,” said Artegall, “it is a hard 
case of which you complain, yet not so hard as to 
abandon that which contains the blazon of your 
honor — that is, your warlike shield. All peril and 
all pain should be accounted less than loss of fame. 
Die rather than do aught that yields dishonor.” 

“Not so,” quoth Sir Burbon, “for when time 
serves I may again resume my former shield. To 
temporize is not to swerve from truth, when ad- 
vantage or necessity compels it.” 

“Fie on such forgery!” said Sir Artegall. 
“Under one hood to hide two faces! Knights 
should be true, and truth is one in all. Down with 
all dissembling!” 

“Yet help me now for courtesy against these 
peasants who have oppressed me,” said Burbon, 
“so that my lady may be freed from their hands.” 

Sir Artegall, although he blamed the Knight’s 
wavering mind, agreed to aid him, and buckling 
377 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


himself at once to the fight, with the help of Talus 
and his iron flail soon dispersed the rabble. 

But when they came to where the lady now 
stood alone, and Burbon ran forward to embrace 
her, she started back disdainfully, and would listen 
to nothing he said. The Knights rebuked her for 
being so fickle and wayward, and Sir Artegall’s 
grave words so abashed her, that she hung down 
her head for shame and stood speechless. Seeing 
this, Burbon made a second attempt, and she 
allowed him to place her on his steed without re- 
sistance. So he carried her off, seemingly neither 
well nor ill pleased. 

Then Sir Artegall took his way to the seashore, 
to see if he could find any shipping to carry him 
over to the savage island where Grantorto held 
the Lady Irene captive. As good fortune fell, 
when they came to the coast they found a ship all 
ready to put to sea. Wind and weather served 
them so well that in one day they reached the 
island, where they found great hosts of men in 
order of battle ready to repel them. These held 
possession of the ground and forbade them to land. 
Nevertheless they would not refrain from landing, 
but as they drew near, Talus jumped into the sea, 
and wading through the waves, gained the shore, 
and chased the enemy away. Then Artegall and 
the old knight landed, and marched forward to a 
town which was in sight. 

378 


The Knight of Justice 


By this time those who first fled in fear had 
brought tidings to the tyrant, who summoned all 
his forces in alarm, and marched out to encounter 
the enemy. He had not gone far when he met 
them; he charged with all his might, but Talus set 
upon the tyrant’s troops and bruised and battered 
them so pitilessly, that he killed many. No one 
was able to withstand him; he overthrew them, 
man and horse, so that they lay scattered all over 
the land, as thick as seed after the sower. 

Then Sir Artegall, seeing his rage, bade him to 
stop, and made a sign of truce. Calling a herald, 
he sent him to the tyrant to tell him that he did 
not come thither for the sake of such slaughter, 
but to try the right of Irene’s cause with him in 
single fight. When Grantorto heard this mes- 
sage, right glad was he thus to stop the slaughter, 
and he appointed the next morrow for the combat 
betwixt them twain. 

Tlie following morning was the dismal day ap- 
pointed for Irene’s death. The sorrowful maiden, 
to whom none had borne tidings of the arrival of 
Artegall, looked up with sad eyes and a heavy 
heart, believing her last hour to be near. Rising, 
she dressed herself in squalid garments fit for such 
a day, and was brought forth to receive her 
doom. 

But when she came to the place, and found there 
Sir Artegall in battle array, waiting for the foe, her 
379 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

heart was cheered, and it lent new life to her in 
the midst of deadly fear. Like a withered rose, 
dying of drought, which glows with fresh grace 
when a few drops of rain fall on her dainty face, so 
was Irene’s countenance when she saw Sir Arte- 
gall in that array waiting for the tyrant. 

At length, with proud and presumptuous bear- 
ing, Grantorto came into the field. He was armed 
in a coat of iron plate, and wore on his head a 
steel cap, rusty brown in color, but sure and 
strong. He bore in his hand a gi'eat pole-axe, 
with which he was accustomed to fight, the blade 
of which was iron-studded, but not long. He was 
huge and hideous in stature, like a giant in height, 
surpassing most men in strength, and had more- 
over great skill in single fight. His face was ugly, 
and his expression stern enough to frighten one 
with the very sight of it; and when he grinned it 
could scarcely be discerned whether he were a 
man or a monster. 

As soon as he appeared within the lists he sur- 
veyed Artegall with a dreadful look, as if he would 
have daunted him with fear, and grinning in a 
grisly fashion flourished his deadly weapon. But 
the Knight of the Faerie Queene, who had often 
seen such a sight, was not in the least quelled by 
his ghastly countenance, but began straight to 
buckle himself to the fight, and cast his shield in 
front of him to be in readiness. 

380 


The Knight of Justice 


The trumpets sounded, and they rushed to- 
gether with terrific force, each dealing huge and 
dangerous strokes. But the tyrant thundered his 
blows with such violence that they rent their way 
through the iron walls of his enemy’s armor. 
Artegall, seeing this, took wary heed to shun them, 
and often stooped his head to shield himself; but 
Grantorto wielded his iron axe so nimbly that he 
gave him many wounds. Suddenly he lifted his 
arm to smite him mortally, but the Knight spied 
his advantage, and slipping underneath, struck him 
right in the flank. Yet the tyrant’s blow, as he 
had intended, kept on its course, and fell with such 
monstrous weight that it seemed as if nothing 
could protect Sir Artegall from death. But be- 
twixt him and the blow he cast his shield, in which 
the pole-axe buried itself so deep that Grantorto 
could in no way wrest it back again. He tugged 
and strove, and dragged the Knight all about the 
place, but nevertheless he could not free the axe 
from the shield. 

Artegall, perceiving this, let go of his shield, 
and attacking the tyrant with his sword Crysaor, 
swiftly cut off his head. 

When the people round about saw this they all 
shouted for joy at his success, glad to be freed 
from the tyrant who had so long oppressed them. 
Joyously running to the fair Lady Irene, they fell 
at her feet, doing homage to her as their true liege 

381 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 



and princess, while the glory of her champion was 
sounded everywhere. 

Then Sir Artegall led Irene with fitting majesty 
to the palace where the kings reigned, and estab- 
lished her peaceably therein, and restored her 
kingdom again to her. And all such persons as 
had helped the tyrant with open or secret aid he 
382 


The Knight of Justice 


punished severely, so that in a very short space 
not one was left who would have dared to disobey 
her. During the time he remained there all his 
study was how to deal true justice, and day and 
night he gave his anxious thoughts as to how he 
might reform the government. 

Thus, having freed Irene from distress, he took 
his leave, and left her sorrowing at his departure. 


383 


BOOK VI 


Ubc Ikntgbt of Courtesy 

Zbc (Slucat of tbe JBlatant JScaat 

O NE of the best loved knights at the court of 
the Faerie Queene was Sir Calidore, for 
even there, where courteous knights and 
ladies most did throng, not one was more renowned 
for courtesy than Calidore. Gentleness of spirit 
and winning manners were natural to him, and 
added to these, his gallant bearing and gracious 
speech stole all men’s hearts. Moreover, he was 
strong and tall, and well proved in battle, so that 
he had won much glory, and his fame had spread 
afar. Not a knight or lady at the court but loved 
him dearly; and he was worthy of their affection, 
for he hated falsehood and base flattery, and loved 
simple truth and steadfast honesty. 

But like all Queen Gloriana’s other Knights, Sir 
Calidore was not allowed to spend his days in 
slothful ease at the court. He had his task to per- 
form, and the adventure appointed to him was a 
hard and perilous one. 

As he traveled on his way, it happened by 
chance that he met Sir Artegall, who was return- 

384 


The Knight of Courtesy 


ing half sadly from the conquest he had lately 
made. They knew each other at once, and Sir 
Calidore was the first to speak. 

“Hail, noblest Knight of all that live and 
breathe !” he cried. “Now tell me, if it please you, 
of the good success you have had in your late 
enterprise.” 

Then Sir Artegall told him the whole story of 
his exploits from beginning to end. 

“Happy man, to have worthily achieved so hard 
a quest !” said Sir Calidore, when he had finished. 
“It will make you renowned for evermore. But 
while you have ended your labors, I now begin to 
tread an endless track, without guide or direction 
how to enter in or issue forth — in untried ways, in 
strange perils, and in long and weary labor. And 
even although good fortune may befall me, it will 
be unseen of any one.” 

“What is that quest which calls you now into 
such peril?” asked Sir Artegall. 

“I pursue the Blatant Beast,” said Sir Calidore, 
“and must incessantly chase him through the 
world until I overtake and subdue him. I do not 
know how or in what place to find him, yet still 
I fare forward.” 

“What is that Blatant Beast?” asked Artegall. 

“It is a hideous monster of evil race, born and 
brought up in dark and noisome places, whence he 
issues forth to be the plague and scourge of 

38s 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

wretched men. He has oftentimes annoyed 
good knights and true ladies, and destroyed 
many, for with his venomous nature and vile 
tongue he wounds sorely, and bites, and cruelly 
torments.” 

“Then, since I left the savage island, I have seen 
such a beast,” said Artegall. “He seemed to have 
a thousand tongues, all uniting in spite and malice, 
with which he barked and bayed at me, as if he 
would have devoured me on the spot. He was set 
on by two hideous old hags. Envy and Detraction. 
But I, knowing myself safe from peril, paid no 
regard to his malice or his power, whereupon he 
poured forth his wicked poison the more.” 

“That surely is the beast which I pursue,” said 
Sir Calidore. “I am right glad to have these 
tidings of him, having had none before in all my 
weary travels. Now your words give me some 
hope. ' 

“God speed you !” said Sir Artegall, “and keep 
you from the dread danger, for you have much to 
contend against.” 

So they took a kindly leave of each other, and 
parted on their several ways. 

Sir Calidore had not traveled far when he came 
upon a comely squire, bound hand and foot to a 
tree, who, seeing him in the distance, called to him 
for aid. The Knight at once set him free, and 
then asked him what mishap had brought him into 
386 



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The Knight of Courtesy 

such disgrace. The squire replied that it was oc- 
casioned not by his fault, but through his mis- 
fortune. 

‘‘Not far from here, on yonder rocky hill,” he 
said, “stands a strong castle, where a bad and hate- 
ful custom is kept up. For whenever any knight 
or lady comes along that way (and they must needs 
go by, for it is the pass through the rocks), they 
cut off the lady’s locks and the knight’s beard to 
pay toll for the passage.” 

“As shameful a custom as ever I heard of, and 
it shall be put a stop to !” said Sir Calidore. “But 
for what cause was it first set on foot?” 

“The lady who owns the castle is called Briana, 
and no prouder one lives,” replied the squire. 
“For a long time she has dearly loved a doughty 
Knight, and sought to win his love by all the means 
in her power. Crudor, for that is his name, in his 
scornful and selfish vanity refuses to return her 
affection until she has made him a mantle lined 
with the beards of knights and the locks of ladies. 
To provide this, she has prepared this castle, and 
appointed a seneschal, called Maleffort, a man of 
great strength, who executes her wicked will with 
malice. 

“As I came along to-day with a fair damsel, my 
dear love, he set upon us. Unable to withstand 
him, we both fled, and first capturing me he bound 
me to this tree till his return, and then went in 

389 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

pursuit of her. Nor do I know whether he has 
yet found her.’' 

While they were speaking they heard a piteous 
shriek, and looking in the direction whence the 
cry came, they saw the churl dragging the maiden 
along by her yellow hair. When Sir Calidore be- 
held the shameful sight he immediately went in 
pursuit, and commanded the villain to release his 
prey. Hearing his voice, Maleffort turned, and 
running toward him, more enraged than terrified, 
said tauntingly: — 

“Are you the wretch who defies me? And will 
you give your beard for this maid, whose part you 
take? Yet it shall not free her locks from ran- 
som.” 

With that he flew fiercely at him and laid on the 
most hideous strokes. But Sir Calidore, who was 
well skilled in fight, let his adversary exhaust his 
strength, and then attacked him with such fury 
that the churl’s heart failed him, and he took flight 
to the castle, where his hope of refuge remained. 
But just as the warders on the castle wall opened 
the gates to receive him, Calidore overtook him in 
the porch, and killed him, so that his dead body 
fell down inside the door. Then Calidore entered 
in and slew the porter. 

The rest of the castle inmates flocked round 
him, but he swept them all aside. Passing into the 
hall he was met by the Lady Briana herself, who 

390 


The Knight of Courtesy 

bitterly upbraided him for what she termed his 
unknightly conduct in slaying her servants. 

“Not unto me the shame, but award it to the 
shameful doer,” replied the Knight. “It is no 
blame to punish those who deserve it. Those who 
break the bonds of civility and make wicked cus- 
toms, those are they who defame both noble arms 
and gentle courtesy. There is no greater disgrace 
to man than inhumanity. Then for dread of dis- 
grace forego this evil custom which you here keep 
up, and show instead kindly courtesy to all who 
pass. This will gain you more glory than' that 
man’s love which you thus seek to obtain.” 

But the Lady Briana only replied to Sir Cali- 
dore with the most scornful insolence, and de- 
•spatching a hasty message to Crudor, bade him 
come to her rescue. While they waited for the re- 
turn of the messenger, she treated Sir Calidore 
with every indignity, so that even an iron heart 
could scarcely have borne it; but the Knight wisely 
controlled his wrath, and bravely and patiently en- 
dured her womanish disdain. . 

In due course the answer came back that Crudor 
would succor his lady before he tasted bread, and 
deliver up her foe, dead or alive, into her hand. 
Then Briana immediately became quite blithe, and 
spoke more bitterly than ever, yet Calidore was 
not in the least dismayed, but rather seemed the 
more cheerful. Putting on his armor, he went 

391 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

out to meet his foe, and soon spied a knight 
spurring toward him with all his might. 

He guessed at once this was Crudor, and with- 
out staying to ask his name couched his spear and 
ran at him. The knights met with such fury that 
both rolled to the ground; but while Calidore at 
once sprang lightly again to his feet, it was some 
time before Crudor rose slowly and heavily. Then 
the battle was renewed on foot, and after a fierce 
and terrible struggle Calidore at last brought his 
foe to the ground. He could easily have killed 
him, but Crudor, seeing the danger in which he 
was placed, cried out: — 

“Ah, mercy, Sir! Do not slay me, but spare 
my life which fate has laid under your foot.” 

“And is this the fulfilment of that proud lady’s- 
threat, which promised to have me beaten from the 
field?” said Calidore, quietly. “By this you may 
now learn not to treat strangers so rudely. But 
put away proud looks and stern behavior which 
shall gain for you nothing but dishonor. How- 
ever strong and fortunate he may be in fight, 
nothing is more baleful to a knight, who professes 
courtesy as well as arms, than the reproach of pride 
and cruelty. In vain he seeks to suppress others 
who has not learned first to subdue himself. All 
flesh is frail and full of fickleness, subject to the 
chance of ever-changing fortune; what happens to 
me to-day may happen to you to-morrow. He 

392 


The Knight of Courtesy 

who will not show mercy to others, how can he 
ever hope to obtain mercy? 

“Yet since you now need to crave mercy, I will 
grant it, and spare your life, on these conditions: 
First, that you shall behave yourself better to all 
errant knights, wherever they may be; and next, 
that you aid ladies in every place and in every 
trouble.” 

The wretched man, who had remained all this 
while in dread of death, gladly promised to per- 
form all Sir Calidore’s behests, and further swore 
to marry Briana without any dowry, and to re- 
lease her from his former shameful conditions. 
Then Calidore called the lady, and soothing her 
terror, told her of the promise he had compelled 
Crudor to make. 

Overcome by his exceeding courtesy, which 
quite pierced her stubborn heart, Briana threw 
herself at his feet, and acknowledged herself deeply 
indebted to him for having restored both life and 
love to her. Then they all returned to the castle, 
and she entertained them joyfully with feast and 
glee, trying by all the means in her power to show 
her gratitude and goodwill. To Sir Calidore, for 
his trouble, she freely gave the castle, and pro- 
fessed herself bound to him forever, so wondrously 
was she changed from what she had been before. 

But Sir Calidore would not keep for himself land 
or fee as a reward for his good deed, but gave 
393 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


them at once to the squire whom he had lately 
freed, and to his damsel, in recompense for all their 
former wrong. There he remained happily with 
them till he was well and strong from the wounds 
he had received, and then he passed forth again 
on his first quest. 

tTbc iproub 5)l0courteou0 1Rnf0bt 

As Sir Calidore rode on his way he saw not far 
off a strange sight — a tall young man fighting on 
foot against an armed knight on horseback; and 
beside them he saw a fair lady standing, in sad 
disarray. Before he could get near to ask what 
was the matter, the armed knight had been killed 
by the youth. 

Filled with amazement. Sir Calidore steadfastly 
regarded the young man, and found him to be a 
goodly and graceful youth, not more than seven- 
teen years old, but tall and fair of face, and seem- 
ingly of noble birth. He was clad in a woodman’s 
jacket of Lincoln green, trimmed with silver lace; 
on his head he wore a hood with spreading points, 
and his hunter’s horn hung at his side. His bus- 
kins were of the costliest leather, adorned with 
golden points, and regularly intersected with 
stripes, as was then the fashion for those of gentle 
family. In his right hand he held a quivering 
dart, and in his left a sharp boar-spear. 

Sir Calidore, having well viewed him, at length 

394 


The Knight of Courtesy 

spoke, and asked him how it came that he, though 
not yet a knight, had dared to slay a knight, which 
was plainly forbidden by chivalry. 

“Truly,” said the youth, “I was loth to break 
the law of chivalry, but I would break it again 
rather than let myself be struck by any man. He 
assailed me first, regardless of what belongs to 
chivalry.” 

“By my troth,” then said Sir Calidore, “great 
blame is it for an armed knight to wrong an un- 
armed man. But tell me why this strife arose be- 
tween you?” 

Then the youth, whose name was Tristram, told 
him that, as he was hunting that day in the forest, 
he chanced to meet this man, together with the 
lady. The knight, as Sir Calidore had seen, was 
on horseback, but the lady walked on foot beside 
the horse, through thick and thin, unfit for any 
woman. Yet not content with this, to add to the 
disgrace, whenever she lagged behind,^ as she must 
needs do, he would thump her forward with his 
spear, and force her to go on, while she vainly 
wept and made piteous lament. 

“When I saw this, as they passed by,” continued 
Tristram, “I was moved to indignation, and began 
to blame him for such cruelty. At this he was 
enraged, and disdainfully reviled me, threatening 
to chastise me as one would a child. I, no less 
disdainful, returned his scornful taunts, whereupon 
395 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

he struck me with his spear, and I, seeking to 
avenge myself, threw a slender dart at him, which 
struck him, as it seems, underneath the heart, so 
that he quickly died.” 

Sir Calidore inquired of the lady if this were in- 
deed true, and as she could deny nothing, but 
cleared Tristram of all blame, then said the 
Knight: — 

“Neither will I charge him with guilt. For 
what he spoke, he spoke it for you, lady; and what 
he did, he did it to save himself, against both of 
whom that knight wrought unknightly shame.” 

Then turning back to the gallant boy, who had 
acquitted himself so well and stoutly, and seeing 
his handsome face, and hearing his wise words, 
Sir Calidore was filled with admiration, and felt 
certain that he came of heroic blood. Then, be- 
cause of the affection he bore him, he begged the 
youth to reveal who he was, ‘‘For since the day 
when I first bore arms,” added the Knight, “I 
never saw greater promise in any one.” 

Then Tristram replied that he was the son of a 
King, although by fate or fortune he had lost his 
country and the crown that should be his by right. 
He was the only heir of the good King Meliogras 
of Cornwall, but his father dying while he was still 
a child, his uncle had seized the kingdom. The 
widowed Queen, his mother, afraid lest ill should 
happen to the boy, sent him away out of the 

396 


The Knight of Courtesy 

country of Lyonesse, where he was born, into the 
land of Queen Gloriana, and here he had dwelt 
since the time he was ten years old. 

His days had not been spent in idleness, for he 
had been well trained with many noble com- 
panions in gentle manners and other fitting ways. 
His chief delight was in following the chase, and 
nothing that ranged in the green forest was un- 
known to him. But now that he was growing 
older he felt that it was time to employ his strength 
in a nobler fashion, and he besought Sir Calidore 
to make him a squire, so that henceforth he might 
bear arms, and learn to use them aright. 

So Sir Calidore caused him to kneel, and made 
him swear faith to his Knight, and truth to all 
ladies, and never to be recreant for fear of peril, 
nor for anything that might befall. So he dubbed 
him, and called him his squire. 

Then young Tristram was full glad and joyous, 
and when the time came for Sir Calidore to depart, 
he prayed that he might go with him on his ad- 
venture, vowing always to serve him faithfully. 
Sir Calidore rejoiced at his noble heart and hoped 
he would prove a doughty knight, yet for the time 
he was obliged to make this answer to him: — 
'^Glad would I surely be, my courteous squire, 
to have you with me in my present quest, but I am 
bound by a vow which I swore to my Sovereign, 
that in fulfilling her behest I would allow no crea- 
397 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 



lure to aid me. For that reason I may not grant 
what you so earnestly beg. But since this lady is 
now quite desolate, and needs a safeguard on her 
way, you would do well to succor her from fear of 
danger.’' 

Tristram gladly accepted this new service, so, 
taking a courteous leave, the two parted. 

398 


The Knight of Courtesy 


Not long after this, Sir Calidore came upon a 
knight and a lady sitting in the shade of some 
trees. Sir Calidore greeted them courteously, 
and the knight invited him to sit down beside 
them, so that they might talk over all their ad- 
ventures. While they were chatting together, the 
Lady Serena wandered away into the fields to 
pluck some flowers. Then suddenly, from the 
forest near, the Blatant Beast rushed forth, and 
catching up the lady, bore her away in his great 
mouth. Starting up, both knights at once gave 
chase, and Sir Calidore, who was swiftest of foot, 
overtook the monster in the midst of his race, and 
fiercely charging him, made him leave his prey and 
take to flight. 

Knowing that the knight was close at hand. Sir 
Calidore did not pause to succor the lady, but 
quickly followed the brute in his flight. Full 
many paths and perils he passed; over hill and 
dale, through forest and plain; so sharply did he 
pursue the monster that he never suffered him to 
rest, day or night. From the court he chased him 
to the city, from the city to the village, from the 
village into the country, and from the country back 
to remote farms. Thence the Blatant Beast fled 
into the open fields, Avhere the herders were keep- 
ing the cattle, and the shepherds were singing to 
their flocks. 


399 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


CodDon anD ipastorcUa 

As Sir Calidore followed the chase of the 
Blatant Beast he came upon a group of shepherds 
piping to their flocks. In reply to his questions 
they answered they had never seen the creature, 
and if there were any such they prayed Heaven 
to keep him far from them. Then one of them, 
seeing that Sir Calidore was travel-worn and 
weary, offered him such simple food and drink as 
they had with them; and the Knight, who was 
courteous to all men alike, both the lowly and the 
high-born, accepted their gentle offer. 

As he sat amongst these rustics he saw seated 
on a little hillock, higher than all the rest, a beau- 
tiful maiden, wearing a crown of flowers tied with 
silken ribbons. She was surrounded by the other 
shepherdesses, as with a lovely garland, but her 
beauty far excelled theirs, and all united in sing- 
ing the praises and carolling the name of the 
“fairest Pastorella.” Not one of all the shepherds 
but honored her, and many also loved her, but 
most of all the shepherd Coridon. Yet neither for 
him nor for any one else did she care a whit; her 
lot was humble, but her mind was high above it. 

As Sir Calidore gazed at her and marked her 
rare demeanor, which seemed to him far to excel 
the rank of a shepherdess, and to be worthy of a 
Prince’s paragon, all unawares he was caught in 
400 


The Knight of Courtesy 

the toils of love, from which no skill of his own 
could deliver him. So there he sat still, with no 
desire to move, although his quest had gone far 
before him. He stayed until the flying day was 
far spent, and the dews of night warned the shep- 
herds to hasten home with their docks. 

Then came to them an aged sire, with silver 
beard and locks, and carrying a shepherd’s crook. 
He was always supposed to be the father of Pastor- 
ella, and she indeed thought it herself. But he was 
not so, having found her by chance in the open 
field as an infant. He took her home and cherished 
her as his own child, for he had none other, and in 
course of time she came to be accounted so. 

Melibee, for so the good old man was called, 
seeing Sir Calidore left all alone and night at hand, 
invited him to his simple home, which, although 
only a mud cottage, with everything very humble, 
was yet better to lodge in than the open fields. 
The Knight full gladly agreed, this being his 
heart’s own wish, and went home with Melibee. 
There he was made welcome by the honest shep- 
herd and his aged wife, and after the frugal sup- 
per, which they ate with much contentment. Sir 
Calidore listened half-entranced while Melibee dis- 
coursed on all the joys of a pastoral life. So tempt- 
ing was the picture he painted that Sir Calidore 
resolved to lay aside for a while his toilsome quest 
and the pursuit of glory, and take a little rest in 
401 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

this peaceful spot. If he were allowed to share 
the cabin and the scanty fare, he promised to re- 
ward Melibee well, but the good old man refused 
the offered gift of gold. 

“If you really wish to try this simple sort of life 
that shepherds lead,” he said, “make it your own, 
and learn our rustic ways for yourself.” 

So Sir Calidore dwelt there that night, and many 
days after, as long as it pleased him, daily behold- 
ing the fair Pastorella, and all the while growing 
more deeply in love with her. He tried to please 
her by all the kindly courtesies he could invent, 
but she, who had never been accustomed to such 
strange fashions, fit for kings and queens, nor had 
ever seen such knightly service, paid small heed 
to them, and cared more for the shepherds' rustic 
civility than for anything he did. 

Sir Calidore, seeing this, thought it best to 
change the manner of his appearance. Doffing 
his bright armor, he dressed himself in shepherd’s 
attire, taking in his hand a crook instead of a 
steel-headed spear. Clad thus, he went every day 
to the fields with Pastorella, and kept her flocks 
diligently, watching to drive away the ravenous 
wolf, so that she could sport and play as it pleased 
her. 

Coridon, who for a long time had loved her, 
and hoped to gain her love, was greatly troubled, 
and very jealous of this stranger. He often com- 
402 


The Knight of Courtesy 


plained scowlingly of Pastorella to all the other 
shepherds, and whenever he came near Sir Cali- 
dore, would frown and bite his lips, and was ready 
to devour his own heart with jealousy. The 
Knight, on the other hand, was utterly free from 
malice or grudging, never showing any sign of 
rancor, and often taking an opportunity to praise 
Coridon to Pastorella. But the maiden, if ever 
she had cared for her uncouth admirer, certainly 
did so no longer now that she had seen Calidore. 

Once when Calidore was asked to lead the dance 
with Pastorella, in his courtesy he took Coridon, 
and set him in his place; and when Pastorella gave 
him her own flowery garland, he soon took it off 
and put it on the head of Coridon. 

Another time Coridon challenged Calidore to. a 
wrestling match, thinking he would surely avenge 
his grudge, and easily put his foe to shame, for 
he was well practised in this game. But he 
greatly mistook Calidore, for the Knight was 
strong and very tough in sinew, and with one fall 
he almost broke Coridon’s neck. Then Pastorella 
ofave the oaken crown to Calidore as was his due, 
but he who excelled in courtesy gave it to Coridon, 
saying he had won it well. 

Thus did that gentle Knight bear himself amidst 
that rustic throng, so that even they who were 
his rivals could not malign him, but must needs 
praise him; for courtesy breeds goodwill and favor 

403 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

even amongst the rudest. So it surely wrought 
with this fair maiden, and in her mind sowed the 
seeds of perfect love, which at last, after long trial, 
brought forth the fruit of joy and happiness. 

But whatever Sir Calidore did to please Pastor- 
ella, Coridon immediately strove to emulate, and 
if the Knight succeeded in winning favor, he was 
frozen with jealousy. 

One day, as they all three went together to the 
greenwood to gather strawberries, a dangerous 
adventure befell them. A tiger rose up out of the 
wood and rushed with greedy jaws at Pastorella. ^ 
Hearing her cry for help, Coridon ran in haste 
to rescue her; but when he saw the fiend he fled 
away just as fast in cowardly fear, holding his own 
life dearer than his friend. But Sir Calidore, 
quickly coming to her aid when he saw the beast 
ready to rend his dear lady, ran at him enraged, 
instead of being afraid. He had no weapon but 
his shepherd’s crook, but with that he struck the 
monster so heavily that he fell stunned to the 
ground, and then, before he could recover. Sir 
Calidore cut off his head, and laid it at the feet 
of the terrified maiden. 

From that day forth Pastorella grew more and 
more fond of the Knight, but Coridon she de- 
spised, because of his cowardice. Then for a long 
time Sir Calidore dwelt happily among these shep- 
herd folk, forgetting his former quest, so full of 
404 


The Knight of Courtesy 

toil and pain, and rejoicing in the happy peace of 
rustic bliss. 

But at last malicious fortune, which envies the 
long prosperity of lovers, blew up a bitter storm 
of adversity. 


Hn tbe JBdaanbs' Ben 

One day, when Sir Calidore was away hunting 
in the woods, a lawless tribe of brigands invaded 
the country where the shepherds dwelt, ravaged 
their houses, murdered the shepherds, and drove 
away their flocks. Old Melibee and all his house- 
hold were led away captive, and with them also 
was taken Coridon. In the dead of night, so that 
no one might see or rescue them, the robbers 
carried their prey to their dwelling. This was on 
a little island, so covered with dense brushwood 
that there seemed no way for people to pass in 
or out, or to find footing in the overgrown grass. 
The way was made underground, through hol- 
low caves that no man could discover, because of 
the thick shrubs which hid them from sight. 
Through all the inner parts of their dwelling the 
darkness of night daily hovered; they were not 
lighted by any window or opening in the roof, but 
with continual candle-light, which made a dim and 
uncertain gloom. 

Hither the brigands brought their prisoners, and 
kept them under constant watch and ward, mean- 

405 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 


ing, as soon as they conveniently could, to sell 
them as slaves to merchants, who would either 
keep them in bondage or sell them again. But the 
Captain of the brigands was enchanted with the 
loveliness of Pastorella, and determined to keep 
her for himself. When, therefore, the other 
prisoners were brought forward to be sold, so that 
the money received for them might be divided 
equally among the band, he held back Pastorella, 
saying that she was his prize alone, with whom no 
one else had anything to do. Besides, he added, 
she was now so weak and wan through illness that 
she was worth nothing as merchandise; and then 
he showed her to them, to prove how pale and ill 
she was. 

The sight of her wondrous beauty, though now 
worn and faded, and only to be dimly seen by 
candle-light, so amazed the eyes of the merchants 
that they utterly refused to buy any of the other 
prisoners without her, and offered to pay large 
sums of gold. Then the Captain bade them be 
silent. He refused to sell the maiden; they could 
take the rest if they would — this one he would 
keep for himself. 

Some of the other chief robbers boldly forbade 
him to do this injury, for the maiden, much as it 
grieved him, should be sold with the rest of the 
captives, in order to increase their price. The 
Captain again refused angrily, and, drawing his 
406 


The Knight of Courtesy 

sword, declared that if any one dared to lay a hand 
on her, he should dearly rue it, and his death 
should pay the price. 

From words they rapidly fell to blows, and, the 
candle being soon quenched in the conflict, the 
fight raged furiously in the dark. But, first of all, 
they killed the captives, lest they should join 
against the weaker side or rise against the remnant. 
Old Melibee and his aged wife were slain, and 
many others with them; but Coridon, escaping 
craftily, crept out of doors, hidden by the darkness, 
and fled away as fast as he could. Unhappy Pas- 
torella was defended all the time by the Captain 
of the brigands, who, more careful of her safety 
than of his own, kept his target always stretched 
over her. At length he was slain, yet, even in 
his fall, he continued with his extended arms to 
shelter Pastorella, who, wounded with the same 
stroke, fell to the ground with him. 

With the death of the Captain the fray ceased, 
and the brigands, lighting fresh candles, made 
search to see who was slain, friends and foes. 
There they found their Captain cruelly killed, and, 
in his arms, the dying maiden; but, seeing that life 
still lingered, they busily applied all their skill to 
call her soul back to its home, and so well did they 
work that at last they restored her to life. This 
done, they placed her in charge of one of the 
brigands, who kept her in harsh and wretched 
407 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

thraldom, scarcely allowing her food or rest, or 
suffering her wounds to be properly tended. 

Sir Calidore, meanwhile, having returned from 
the wood, and found the cottage despoiled and his 
love reft away, waxed almost mad with grief and 
rage. To add to his anguish, there was not a soul 
of whom he could inquire anything. He sought 
the woods, but could see no man; he sought the 
plains, but could hear no tidings. The woods only 
repeated vain echoes; the plains were waste and 
empty. Where once the shepherds played their 
pipes and fed a hundred flocks, there now he found 
not one. 

At last, as he roamed up and down, he saw a 
man coming toward him, who seemed to be some 
wretched peasant in ragged clothes, with hair 
standing on end, as if he fled from some recent 
danger, which still followed close behind. As he 
came near, the Knight saw it was Coridon. Run- 
.ning up to him. Sir Calidore asked where were 
the rest — where was Pastorella? 

Bursting into tears, Coridon told how they had 
been seized by the brigands, and carried to their 
den. He described how they were to have been 
sold as slaves, and the quarrel that had arisen over 
Pastorella. He told how the Captain had tried to 
defend her. ‘‘But what could he do alone against 
them all?” he added. ‘‘He could not save her; in 
the end she must surely die. I only escaped in the 
408 


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The Knight of Courtesy 

Uproar and confusion, and it were better to be dead 
with them than to see all this place, where we dwelt 
together in joy, desolate and waste.” 

Sir Calidore was at first almost distracted at 
hearing this dreadful news; but presently, recover- 
ing himself, he began to cast about in his mind 
how he might rescue Pastorella if she were still 
alive, or how he should revenge her death; or, if 
he were too weak to avenge her, then at least he 
could die with her. 

Therefore, he prayed Coridon, since he knew 
well the readiest way into the thieves’ den, that 
he would conduct him there. Coridon was still 
so frightened that at first he refused; but at last he 
was persuaded by Sir Calidore’s entreaties and 
promises of reward. 

So forth they went together, both clad in shep- 
herd’s dress and carrying their crooks; but Sir 
Calidore had secretly armed himself underneath. 
Then, as they approached the place, they saw upon 
a hill, not far away, some flocks of sheep and some 
shepherds, to whom they both agreed to take their 
way, hoping to learn some news. 

There they found, which they did not expect, the 
self-same flocks which the brigands had stolen 
away, with several of the thieves left to look after 
them. Coridon knew quite well his own sheep, and, 
seeing them, began to weep for pity; but when he 
saw the thieves, his heart failed him, although they 
411 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

were all asleep. He wanted Sir Calidore to kill 
them as they slept and drive away the sheep, but 
the Knight had another purpose in view. Waking 
the brigands, he sat down beside them, and began 
to chat of different things, hoping to find out from 
them whether Pastorella were alive or slain. The 
thieves, in their turn, began to question Sir Cali- 
dore and Coridon, asking what sort of men they 
were and whence they came; to which they replied 
that they were poor herdsmen who had fled from 
their masters, and now sought hire elsewhere. 

The thieves, delighted to hear this, offered to 
pay them well if they would tend their flocks, for 
they themselves were bad herdsmen, they said, not 
accustomed to watch cattle or pasture sheep, but 
to foray the land or scour the sea. Sir Calidore 
and Coridon agreed to keep the flocks; so there 
they stayed all day, as long as the light lasted. 

When it grew toward night the robbers took 
them to their dens, which they soon got to know 
quite well, and where they sought out all the secret 
passages. There they found, to their joy and sur- 
prise, that Pastorella still lived. Watching their 
opportunity, one night, when all the thieves were 
sound asleep after a recent foray. Sir Calidore made 
his way to the Captain’s den. When he came to 
the cave he found it fast, but he assailed the door 
with irresistible might and burst the lock. One of 
the robbers, awaking at the noise, ran to the en- 
412 


The Knight of Courtesy 


trance, but the bold Knight easily slew him. Pas- 
torella, in the meanwhile, was almost dead with 
fright, believing it to be another uproar such as 
she had lately seen. But when Sir Calidore came 
in, and began to call for her, knowing his voice, 
she suddenly revived, and her soul was filled with 
rapture. No less rejoiced was Sir Calidore when 
he found her, and like one distracted he caught 
her in his arms and kissed her a thousand 
times. 

By this time the hue and cry was raised, and all 
the brigands came crowding to the cave; but Sir 
Calidore stood in the entry, and slew each man as 
he advanced, so that the passage was lined with 
dead bodies. Then, when no more could get near 
him, he rested till the morning, when he made his 
way into the open light. Here all the rest of the 
brigands were ready waiting for him, and fiercely 
assailing him, fell on him with all their might. 
But Sir Calidord, with his raging brand, divided 
their thickest troops and scattered them wide. 
Like a lion among a herd of deer, so did he fly 
among them, hewing and slaying all that came 
near, so that none dared face the danger, but fled 
from his wrath to hide from death in the caves. 

Then, returning to his dear lady, he brought her 
forth into the joyous light, and did everything he 
could to make her forget the troubles through 
which she had passed. From the thieves’ den he 

413 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

took all the spoils and treasures of which they had 
robbed other people; and all the flocks which they 
had stolen from Melibee he restored to Coridon. 

Zbc JBeaet with a ^bousanD ^Tongues 

Sir Calidore, having rescued Pastorella from 
the brigands’ den, took her to the Castle of Bel- 
gard, where the good Sir Bellamour was lord, and 
there a strange thing happened. 

Years before. Sir Bellamour had secretly mar- 
ried a beautiful maiden, called Claribel, the 
daughter of a rich and powerful man, known by the 
name of the “Lord of Many Islands.” Her father 
had hoped, because of his great wealth, that his 
daughter would marry the Prince of a neighboring 
country, and when he found that she was married 
to Sir Belamour, he was in such a rage that he 
threw them in two deep dungeons, forbidding 
them ever to see each other. When Claribel was 
in prison, a little daughter was born to her; but, 
fearing lest her father should get hold of it, she 
entrusted it to her handmaid, Melissa, to have it 
brought up as a stranger’s child. The trusty 
damsel carried it into an empty field, and having 
kissed and wept over it, placed it on the ground, 
and hid herself behind some bushes near, to see 
what mortal would take pity on the poor little 
infant. At length a shepherd, who kept his fleecy 
flocks on the plains around, led by the infant’s cry, 
414 


The Knight of Courtesy 


came to the place, and when he found there the 
abandoned treasure, he took it up, and wrapping it 
in his mantle, bore it home to his honest wife, who 
ever afterwards brought it up as her own child. 

Claribel and Bellamour remained a long time in 
captivity, till at last the “Lord of Many Islands” 
died, and left them all his possessions. Then the 
tide of fortune turned, they were restored to free- 
dom, and rejoiced in happiness together. They 
had lived for a long time in peace and love when 
Sir Calidore brought Pastorella to the castle. 
Here they both received the heartiest welcome, for 
Sir Bellamour was an old friend of Calidore’s, and 
loved him well; and Claribel, seeing how weak and 
wan Pastorella was after her long captivity, tended 
her with the greatest love and care. 

Now, it happened that before the handmaiden 
parted with the infant she noticed on its breast a 
little purple mark, like a rose unfolding its silken 
leaves. This same maiden, Melissa, was appointed 
to wait on Pastorella, and one morning, when she 
was helping her to dress, she noticed on her chest 
the rosy mark which she remembered well on the 
little infant, Claribel’s daughter. Full of joy, she 
ran in haste to her mistress, and told her that the 
beautiful lady was no other than the little child 
who had been born in prison. Then Claribel ran 
quickly to the stranger maiden, and finding it was 
even as Melissa said, she clasped her in her arms 

415 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

and held her close, weeping softly and saying, ‘'And 
do you now live again, rtiy daughter, and are you 
still alive whom long I mourned as dead?” 

Then there was great rejoicing in the Castle of 
Belgard. 

Meanwhile Sir Calidore was pursuing the quest 
of the Blatant Beast, seeking him in every place 
with unresting pain and toil, and following him by 
his destroying track, for wherever the monster 
went he left behind him ruin and devastation. 

At last, in a narrow place. Sir Calidore overtook 
him, and, fiercely assailing him, forced him to turn. 
Then the Blatant Beast ran at him with open 
mouth, huge and horrible; it was all set with a 
double row of iron teeth, and in it were a thousand 
tongues of every kind and quality — some were of 
dogs, that barked day and night; some of cats that 
yawled; some of bears that growled continually; 
some of tigers that seemed to grin and snarl at all 
who passed by; but most of them were tongues of 
mortal men, who poured forth abuse, not caring 
where nor when; and among them were mingled 
here and there the tongues of serpents, with three- 
forked stings, that spat out poison at all who came 
within reach, speaking hateful things of good and 
bad alike, of high and low, not even sparing kings 
or kaisers, but either blotting them with infamy or 
biting them with their baneful teeth. 

But Sir Calidore, not in the least afraid of this 
416 


The Knight of Courtesy 

horrid spectacle, met him with such impetuous 
might that he checked his violence and beat him 
back. Then the monster, rearing up, leaped upon 
him with his ravenous paws, as if his cruel claws 
would have rent him; but the Knight, being well 
on guard, cast his shield between, and putting forth 
all his strength, forced him to fall back; and when 
he was down he threw his shield on him and pinned 
him to the ground. In vain did the Beast rage 
and roar; for the more he strove, the more firmly 
the Knight held him, so that he was almost mad 
with spite. He grinned, he bit, he scratched, he 
spat out venom, and acted like a horrible fiend. 

When the monster saw that force was of no 
avail, he began to use his hundred tongues, and 
reviled and railed at the Knight with bitter terms 
of infamy, weaving in many a forged lie, whose like 
Sir Calidore had never heard or thought of; yet 
for all that he did not let the monster go, but held 
him so tight that he nearly choked him. 

At last, when he found his strength failing and 
his rage lessening, Sir Calidore took a strong 
muzzle of the stoutest iron, made with many a 
link, with which he fastened up his mouth, shutting 
up therein his blasphemous tongues, so that he 
should never more defame gentle knight or lovely 
lady; and to this he tied a great long chain, with 
which he dragged him forth in spite of himself. 
The hideous Beast chafed inwardly at these strange 

417 


The Story of the Faerie Queene 

bonds, which no one till then had dared to impose 
on him; yet he dared not draw back nor attempt 
to resist the power of the noble Calidore, but 
trembled before him, and followed him like a 
frightened dog. 

All through Faerie Land he thus followed him, 
as if he had learned obedience, so that all the people 
wherever he went thronged out of the town to see 
Sir Calidore lead the Blatant Beast in bondage, and 
seeing it, were amazed at the sight; and all such 
people as he had formerly wronged rejoiced to see 
him a captive, and many wondered at the Beast, 
but more wondered at the Knight. 

Thus was this monster suppressed and tamed 
by the mastering might of the valiant Sir Calidore, 
and so for a long time he remained. But at last, 
after Sir Calidore was dead, either by wicked fate 
or the fault of men, he broke his iron chain, and 
got again at liberty into the world; and here he 
still ranges, barking and biting, sparing no one in 
his malice, and doing an infinite deal of mischief 
wherever he goes; and since the days of the good 
Sir Calidore no man has ever been able to master 
him. 


418 


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cMrs* Clarke Johnson Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

A charming story of an ambitious girl who overcomes in a 
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Her College Days 

Dy cMrs, Clarke Johnson Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

This is a most interesting and healthful tale of a girl’s life in a 
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terwoven wuth the varied occurrences and exciting incidents of 
college life as to leave a most wholesome impression upon 
die mind and heart of the reader. 

Dkvo Wyoming Girls 

cMrs* Carrie L* cMarshall Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

Two girls, thrown upon their own resources, are obliged to 
“ prove up ” their homestead claim. This would be no very 
serious matter were it not for the persecution of an unscru- 
pulous neighbor, who wishes to appropriate the property to 
his own use. The girls endure many privations, have a num- 
ber of thrilling adventures, but finally secure their claim and 
are generally w’ell rewarded for their courage and persever* 
ance. 


H71-80 






















































